With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Photo: Charles Manson at Age 77, A Week Before His Next Parole Hearing
The infamous Charles Manson is now 77 years old, still serving out a life sentence, and a week away from another parole hearing.
The April 11, 2012 hearing marks Manson's 12th attempt at getting parole, and, considering how well the last 11 have gone, it's not likely he will be granted liberty. It's also not likely Manson will make an appearance; he has not been present at his own parole hearings in the past 15 years.
At the request of CNN, the Department of Corrections released a current photo of the convicted killer. He is seen with scraggly gray hair and beard, and the enduring swastika mark cut into his forehead.
"He looks a lot different," department of corrections spokeswoman Terry Thornton told CNN.
Sponsored message
The Manson Family killers, convicted in 1971 and initially put on death row until their sentences were commuted to life in prison when the death penalty was abolished in California, have not been successful by large at getting paroled. The most recently denied of the group was Charles "Tex" Watson,on his 14th attempt. Susan Atkins was denied a compassionate release, and died in prison in 2009.
More reading: Where are Manson's Children Now? (2007)
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
