Charles Manson Skips 12th Parole Hearing, Tate Disheartened
California cult leader Charles Manson, who is currently serving a life sentence in prison for murders he commanded in 1969, has skipped what could be his last parole hearing.
The notorious cult leader- now 77 years old and a far cry from the face often associated with Manson- skipped his 12th parole hearing on Wednesday. It could be another 15-year wait if Manson is not granted parole, which would make him 92 years old. Manson forewarned that he would not attend the hearing and also refused to meet with his state-appointed attorney, DeJon Ramone Lewis, a month prior to the court date.
The attorney arguing against Manson's release has suggested that Manson is indifferent.
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"At his age, I think he doesn't care," Deputy District Attorney Patrick Sequeira said Wednesday. "He would be lost if he got out. He's completely institutionalized."
Manson is accused of ordering his "family members"- who at the time formed a part of the Manson cult- to kill actress Sharon Tate along with members who were currently living in the house.
Manson was originally sentenced to death in a 1969 hearing for his role in the deaths of nine victims. However, in 1970, the state of California temporarily suspended the death penalty, which led to Manson's death sentence being commuted to life in prison. The case became high profile for several reasons. Not only was Manson a cult leader, but his victim was Sharon Tate, a pregnant woman who Manson did not even intend to target.
Debra Tate, Shanon's sister, has spent the past four decades fighting against Manson's release, attending countless of court dates in varying locations.
"I've tried to take this thing that I do, that has become my lot in life, and make it have purpose," the 59-year-old explained.
"I've been doing it for Sharon and the other victims of him for the last 40 years." Debra Tate was only 17 years old at the time of her sister's brutal murder and seemingly still holds very hard feelings over the incident.
Tate expressed that she was disappointed that Manson would not show because it could be her last opportunity to make him feel guilt over his actions.
"I want to lock eyes with him and walk them through everything done to each and every one of my friends, blow by blow," she told the Associated Press.
