Most people wouldn’t assume that someone like Charles Manson had an estate worth fighting over. Manson, the “mastermind” behind multiple murders in the Los Angeles area in 1969, died in prison last year. These were infamously known as the “Manson murders,” and involved the deaths of nine people, including actress Sharon Tate, who was pregnant at the time.
Multiple people, including alleged family members, friends and others are fighting over who gets the cult leader’s possessions — and his body.
Because Manson was so infamous, anything he left behind could have significant monetary value. One man, who claims he was a pen pal of Manson, says, “It’s despicable that I’m still sitting here 60 days later and I can’t get my friend cremated.” Another “pen pal” also claims to have Manson memorabilia. Both have sold items in their collection to “fans.”
Yet another man, who claims to be Manson’s grandson and heir, claims to have a will signed by Manson in which he is named sole beneficiary and executor of the estate. Multiple people have come forward, claiming to be related to Manson.
The legal matters regarding Manson and his estate span three counties throughout California. He lived in Los Angeles County at the time he was arrested. Manson was imprisoned in Kings County. Kern County is also involved because that’s where he died.
As odious as the man and this case is, there’s something to be learned from it for everyone. It’s essential for everyone to have an estate plan in place to minimize legal battles among heirs and beneficiaries after they are gone. An experienced California estate planning attorney can help you do that.
Source: CBS 2 Los Angeles, “Battle Over Charles Manson’s Estate Taking Place In L.A. Courtroom,” The Associated Press, Jan. 26, 2018