Questions & Answers II

The Daily News Interview . . .

Thank you. I think your past is well detailed on your website, but here are a few questions I have:

Q: Patricia Kernwinkle has been recommended for parole again, which is subject to final approval. What is your reaction to the news? Do you expect it to be approved this time? Why or why not?

I was asked this exact question this morning by an inmate while walking back to the cell from breakfast. He thought it gave me hope, but I told him, "I did too much!" He said, "At least you are honest!"

It's hard for me to get excited for Patricia, since Governor Newsom will possibly be running for President in 2028, and will deny her request because of politics. Her Manson connection continues to keep her in prison.

Q: You said in your above message to me, you aren't thinking of parole at the moment. Why is this? Have you lost faith in your chances of release because of 18 denials? Or are you no longer concerned with living life outside of incarceration? Please elaborate if so.

I'm not for certain, but I may not be requesting parole again, though my friends aren't in agreement. I'm almost 80 years old, and my only desire is to spend the remainder of my life reaching souls, not seeking parole. Not that I've lost faith; all things are possible through Christ, but I've learned to be content or at peace, bond or free.

Q: Those who oppose the release of ex-Manson members (including victim's families) such as yourself, often say it's their belief that those capable of such violent acts are beyond rehabilitation. As someone who has clearly undergone a dramatic transformation during your incarceration, what's your response to that? Is everyone deserving of a second chance?

Some people may be beyond rehabilitation, but not in God's eyes. He has made it possible for "Whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." But many are so hardened, they will never call on the Lord. But God, Who is rich in mercy, gives everyone a second chance spiritually, though they may not deserve a second chance for physical freedom. I seem to be one of those.

Q: On your website, you outline a list of reasons/factors as to how you came to be involves in these crimes, voicing remorse for your actions. When you look back at the younger version of yourself, do you even recognize that person? Does it feel like a lifetime ago? Or does it all feel very real, and do you ever find yourself reliving those events?

I just relived past events as a prodigal son in my latest Monthly View for Father's Day, June 2025, on aboundinglove.org. The site is a testimony where I apologize for the crimes. But in reality, I see the young, insecure Charles as dead, on a slab in a lab for all these years being examined, giving him a spiritual autopsy. That's what you see on the website, plus the finished work Jesus did on the Cross to bring the new, secure Charles to life. It does feel like a lifetime ago, but at the same time, it still feels very real, because of the victims. I live in deep regret, but God has given me His power and grace to overcome the memories of my past.

Q: You also state on your website that you aren't expecting forgiveness. How deeply do you regret your role in the Manson Murders, and how has your discovery of faith helped you to come to terms with the reality of your past/find comfort in your quest for redemption?

My living amends show how deeply I regret my role in the murders. Its not only words; the victims are given place on the website, under About/In Remembrance of the Victims. Being transparent about my past sinfulness on the website, reveals how God brought me to my knees in repentance. When I turned to God in 1975, He forgave me and filled me with the Holy Spirit for comfort. I don't expect others to understand, but God is willing to accept repentant sinners and desires their restoration.

Thank you so much, Charles! I really appreciate it. Hope to speak with you again soon. -- Luke Kenton.

Drugs & Motives...

Q: What part did drugs play in the crimes?

A: I’ve always tried not to blame anyone or anything for the crimes except my choices and decisions; although drugs were certainly a major contributing factor. For two years, I smoked marijuana, took LSD for over a year and inhaled “speed” for thirty days before the crimes.

In 2019, I saw a documentary on PBS called “World War Speed”. Prior to WWII, all the major players had access to amphetamines (speed) from their pharmaceutical companies: Germany (Pervitin), England and the USA (Benzadrine). The Nazis used “speed” in either tablets, inhalers or injections for stimulating their soldiers in planes, tanks, submarines and on the ground. “Speed” was the driving force behind the Nazi aggression, plus England and the United States were using it as well.

I identified with the documentary because I felt the same effects of “speed” as portrayed in studies of soldiers’ alertness, aggression under fire, a sense of false power, energetic or an adrenaline rush, focused on a mission, fearless, hypervigilance, inability to make rational decisions, lacking a moral conscience, not caring, violent and a post-adrenaline crash—chemical insanity. Regretfully, I took “speed” to do what I couldn’t do without it, that is, commit the crimes for the Manson Family’s acceptance.

Q: Were you a drug dealer as alleged on Wikipedia?

A: This is blown way out of proportion by those who try to make drug dealing the motive of the crime rather than simply the Helter Skelter philosophy, For three months, I did live with a woman, who sold ounces of weed to support herself. I admitted this in my initial book, and that I took $2,500 from a drug dealer without having the weed. Regardless of other allegations, that is the extent of my drug dealing.

Q: What were the motives for the crimes?

A: The late prosecuting attorney Vincent Bugliosi lays these out in his book Helter Skelter, which are verified in my book Will You Die For Me? chapter Helter Skelter I, the first paragraph.

Q: What do you think of the book Helter Skelter?

A: I appreciate all the research, plus his epilogue - "a shared madness."

Miscellaneous

Q: What did you think about the Derek Chauvin verdict?

I’m thankful that justice was served for George and his family. I’ve tried to put myself in their shoes, not only grieving for them, but also for Derek. The prophet Micah wrote, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (6:8)

I grieve with Derek, thinking, what if he had responded reasonably to the call, saying, “I know George, let me talk to him!” George would have explained himself and been able to calm himself, so the cuffs could then be removed, but Derek’s pride got to him. As Solomon warned: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

I pray for greater compassion in society, as we learn to suffer with one another. Remember “…when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.” (Matthew 14:14).

If you have a question, contact Charles.