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.
Did Manson and Ayres know each other?
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.