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The women who were "brainwashed" by Charlie Manson are all serving life sentences, IIRC. As well they should, there being no death penalty in California at the time. I do not believe that there is any such thing as brainwashing which deprives one of free will, Too many good men have endured torture without being brainwashed (although many understandably "broke" after they reached their limit).

Almost all of the followers of Charles Manson...actually believed in him. Nobody was threatened...or at least they haven't really said that over the years. He simply was a mystic type that people were drawn to. The Beatles found themselves drawn to eastern mystics by the early 70s. The whole royal family of the Czar were drawn to Rasputin in Russia. Everyone around Hitler felt magnetic charm and never saw a bit of evil in the guy. This street mystic may have the same charm and simply talked her into being part of his life crusade. Being in a strict mormon house, living a quiet lifestyle, and wanting an outlet into the real world...the street mystic presented an opportunity and she allowed him to persuade her to leave. He is guilty of an awful lot, and will get jail time of at least 20 years....but since he is mentally deranged...I bet he never serves a day in jail. His girlfriend is the same type and will spend her days in a mental hospital.