Bradenton Man Wins Right To Bury Grandfather, Charles Manson

BRADENTON, FL -- After winning the rights to his grandfather's remains, Bradenton resident Jason Freeman, the grandson of serial killer Charles Manson, says he now plans to put his grandfather to rest in a private ceremony in California, the state where Manson spent most of his life.

Freeman spent four months battling in the California court system to obtain the legal rights to his grandfather's remains, which have been held at a morgue in Bakersfield since Manson died Nov. 19 at the age of 83.

Devoutly religious, Freeman said he petitioned the California courts for his grandfather's body because he believes his grandfather paid for his crimes and now it's time to put his soul to rest.

Freeman's father was Charles Manson Jr., the progeny of Manson and his first wife, Rosalie Jean Willis, a waitress who married Manson in 1955. He was 20 years old and she was 15. Manson moved to California with his pregnant wife shortly after. He was serving time for grand theft auto when his son, Charles Manson Jr., was born in 1956.

Charles Manson Jr. eventually took his stepfather's name and became Charles Jay White. He shot and killed himself on a Colorado highway in 1993.

Jason Lee Freeman, now 41, barely knew his father. Raised in Uhrichsville, Ohio, he attended Claymont High School where he was a member of Coach Eric Toukonen's celebrated wrestling team. He graduated in 1995 and went on to do some semi-pro wrestling and boxing. He also worked as a wrestling, boxing, mixed martial arts and personal fitness trainer.

He moved to Bradenton two years ago with his wife and three sons. He currently works as a roofing specialist.

Although he never met Manson, Freeman said his grandfather's legacy has haunted him throughout his life.

"I struggled for many years with unanswered questions," he said. "I felt like I was constantly running from the Manson curse that seemed to plague my bloodline."

In his blog, he said it was his faith in God that gave him the courage to eventually reach out to Manson. They spoke on the phone but Freeman was never able to visit Manson in prison.

Freeman said his faith also led him to petition the California courts for Manson's remains so he could put his grandfather's soul to rest.

Two other people filed claims for Manson's remains: a man who said Manson was his father and a prison pen pal of Manson's who claimed to have a will signed by the notorious killer.

"This has been a very hard four months for me and my family," he said of the court battle

And just when he thought it was behind him, Freeman said he's been besieged by more claimants to Manson's estate following publicity surrounding the court's ruling.

Although Freeman won the right to his grandfather's body, the California courts have yet to rule on who will retain the rights to Manson's estate, which could include royalties from songs Manson wrote and the license to use Manson's image.

"Now people are going, 'where's mine? I'm this or that (relation to Manson),'" Freeman said. "Everybody wants to know is there money out there somewhere? Well, if you feel like you have a right, nobody's denying your chance to go to court and fill out the proper paperwork and go through some of what I just went through.

"I didn't make the choice," he said of the court's decision. "I'm just the last man standing for this opportunity to put my grandfather's body to rest."

To read more about Freeman's life and his thoughts on his grandfather's legacy, visit his blog, Jason "Fighting" Freeman's Blog.

Image via Jason Freeman
A black and white photo shows a 20-year-old Charles Manson at his wedding to 15-year-old waitress Rosalie Jean Willis.