[a fool in paradise]

My understanding is that his death penalty sentence was commuted to life in prison (with possibility of parole) when the Supreme Court put a hold on the death penalty.

However, since his was not a participant in the actual murders (unlike John Holmes, whom the LA prosecutors protected in another murder case), a death sentence seems extreme.

Manson is not a nice man. However William Ayers and others are far worse, far more guilty, and far more free.

[taterjay]

Did Manson and Ayres know each other?

[Ditter]

Since Manson did not actually stab anyone or cut their throats, that makes him “not a nice man” and not bad enough to put to death?

Really?

Without his leadership it is possible that none of the others would have murdered anyone. I think he is the *most guilty of the entire group and the *most deserving of being put to death.