Charles Manson’s De-Evolution

Charles Manson circa 1969, the year of the Tate-LaBianca murders. 

On June 18th, 1970, Charles Manson, 35, declared "I don't have any guilt" at a brief press conference in the courtroom where a hearing to continue proceedings in the murder case of musician Gary Hinman was held. Manson's trial for the slaying of actress Sharon Tate and four others on August 9th of the previous year, and the killing of a wealthy supermarket chain owner and his wife the day after the Tate murder, began this same week and forced postponement of the Hinman case. 

Charles Manson is brought into court on January 15th, 1971, to hear the final arguments from the prosecution in the Tate-LaBianca murders in which he and three female defendants are charged with murder. The Manson trial went to jury following seven months of courtroom proceedings. 

A beardless and sullen Charles Manson arrives at court for sentencing, on March 29th, 1971, in Los Angeles. Manson received the death penalty, which the following year was reduced to life in prison.

After seven years in prison, Manson was eligible for parole. He was denied. 

During the 1960s, Manson scuffled around the margins of the music industry. Here he poses with a guitar in August 1980.

Tom Snyder conducting an exclusive interview with Manson for NBC's The Tomorrow Show at the California Medical Facility, June 12, 1981.

Manson at another unsuccessful parole hearing.

Manson raises an eyebrow during an interview with reporter Geraldo Rivera at San Quentin Prison in Califorina, March 17th, 1988.  

Manson at 62-years-old, 1996. 

Manson is seen here in a photo taken on March 18, 2009. That's the same year former Manson Family member Lynette "Squeaky" Frome was released on parole after serving 34 years in prison. 

Charles Manson at 76-years-old. 

An exclusive photo, taken by Manson himself.