News sources report that an inheritance dispute has arisen over control of the estate of cult leader Charles Manson, who died in a California prison on Nov. 19. Manson was initially sentenced to death after his followers killed several people in 1969. In 1972, he received a life sentence after the California Supreme Court struck down the death penalty. Now, two men are each claiming to hold wills naming them as the sole beneficiary of Manson’s estate.
According to one entertainment news outlet, Manson had disinherited his children, ex-wives, and friends, as well as the State of California and various law enforcement officials, prior to his demise at the age of 83. Sources say that Manson’s pen pal is in possession of a handwritten and typed will dated Feb. 14, 2002, that gives him the cult leader’s money, clothing, image rights, music catalog and all other possessions.
A second news source reports that Manson named a different beneficiary in a will that he gave to a friend in January 2017. The beneficiary’s mother had previously told the 49-year-old man that he was Charles Manson’s son. This document reportedly gives the man sole rights to the cult leader’s estate. According to reports, each of the named beneficiaries is planning to claim Manson’s body. The man who may be Manson’s son is saying that the matter will be sorted out.
Individuals in California who find themselves involved in inheritance disputes may find it beneficial to turn to an attorney for advocacy and advice. In some situations, the attorney may be able to successfully address allegations of forgery, fraud or undue influence on the client’s behalf. The attorney could also work to resolve the dispute in a timely manner while protecting the client’s best interests.
Source: FOX News, “Battle erupts over control of Charles Manson estate,” Kathleen Joyve, Nov. 25, 2017