It’s been over five decades since Charles Manson and his followers carried out a terrifying string of murders that shook the nation, and now a brand-new Hulu documentary is shedding light on a 𝓈𝒽𝓸𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 family secret: the cult leader is the biological grandfather of actress Sophia Maddox.
The July 2026 documentary, “My Grandfather Charles Manson,” has reignited public fascination with the Manson Family and where its members are today. While Manson himself died in prison in November 2017, several of his followers are still alive—and some have even walked free.
Linda Kasabian, the woman who drove the group during the Tate and LaBianca murders, was granted immunity after she testified. She claimed she witnessed Charles “Tex” Watson shoot and 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 a victim trying to flee. Kasabian lived quietly in Washington until her death at age 73 in January 2023.
Mary Brunner, once charged in the murder of Gary Hinman, also received immunity after testifying. She was later convicted for helping to rob a gun store in a plot to free Manson from prison. Brunner served time but was released on parole in 1977.
She reportedly lives in the Midwest and stays out of the spotlight.
Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme never participated in the murders, but she remained fiercely loyal. In 1975, she pulled a loaded gun on President Gerald Ford in Sacramento. She was sentenced to life but was released on parole in 2009.
Fromme later published a memoir about her life.
Susan Atkins, who was convicted for her role in the Hinman and Tate killings, died in prison of brain cancer in 2009. During her decades behind bars, she became a born-again Christian and wrote an autobiography.
Leslie Van Houten, convicted for the LaBianca murders, spent years fighting for her freedom. After multiple trials, she was released on parole in 2023 and taken to a transitional facility. She had earned a bachelor’s degree in English while incarcerated.
Patricia Krenwinkel, the longest-serving female inmate in California, has been denied parole 16 times, most recently in October 2025. Governor Gavin Newsom blocked her release in 2022, stating she still poses a danger. Inside prison, she earned a degree and played volleyball.
Charles “Tex” Watson, convicted of seven counts of murder, has been denied parole 18 times. He became a minister and earned a business degree behind bars. His next parole hearing is set for October 2026.
Bobby Beausoleil, convicted for the murder of Gary Hinman, was denied parole for the 21st time in July 2026. He recently appeared in the Netflix documentary “CHAOS,” where he discussed Manson’s role.
Bruce Davis, convicted for the murders of Hinman and Donald “Shorty” Shea, was once considered a possible Zodiac killer suspect, but was ruled out. He became a born-again Christian and has been denied parole dozens of times.
Steven Grogan, who helped 𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 Shea, was the first convicted Manson family member to be released on parole, back in 1985. He even helped police find the victim’s remains.
Ruth Ann Moorehouse wasn’t part of the murders but was convicted of trying to dissuade a witness. She fled before sentencing, was later found, and a judge let her go free. She reportedly lives in the Midwest with her family.
With new documentaries and parole hearings still making headlines, the shadow of Manson’s family continues to linger. What other secrets might still surface after all these years?
