Charles Manson's remains coming to Florida?

Grandson wants to claim cult leader's remains, personal belongings

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – The grandson of Charles Manson said he intends to bring the remains of the murderous cult leader to Florida.

Jason Freeman told SFGate.com that would like to arrange for Manson's cremation in California and then bring the ashes home with him.

Manson died Sunday of natural causes at the age of 83. He was serving nine life sentences for the 1969 crime spree that took the lives of seven people, including actress Sharon Tate.

According to California law, Manson's relatives have 10 days to claim his body. If his next of kin declines, prison officials will make the final decision what to do with the body.

Freeman, who lives in Bradenton, said he has been working with an attorney to claim Manson's remains and possessions. He said he hasn't decided whether to hold a memorial service.

Among the items that Freeman hopes to take possession of could include crayon drawings and a series of small sculptures of scorpions and spiders that Manson was known to fashion from string and human hair, SFGate.com reported.

"I have no anticipation of being able to retrieve any personal items," Freeman said. "He's had things stolen from him and had people trying to take advantage of him. But if I could, I would cherish his artwork. I would be excited to have it."

Freeman is the son of Charles Manson Jr.


About the Author:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.