After Charles Manson died in 2017, three individuals petitioned the court for control of his estate. As his biological grandson, Jason Freeman made the legal argument that he should have sole control. But Manson’s last will, drawn up in 2002, named long-time prison pen pal Michael Channels as executor (via Times of San Diego). Channels filed a petition with the probate court, demanding that the will be upheld.
Freeman, meanwhile, petitioned the court with statements disputing the validity of that will. His lawyer argued that it was drawn up that way as a result of the “undue influence” of Channels on Manson. To further complicate matters, Nancy Claassen, who was Manson’s half-sister on his mother’s side, made a probate claim stating that she was the “sole heir at law.”
The court battle over who is Manson’s legal heir and executor continues to this day, with the latest ruling from a judge declaring that the court recognizes Freeman as a “potential heir,” based on the evidence presented (per Fox News LA).
