Fanatical Charles Manson Memorabilia Collector Claims Cult Leader’s Estate

It’s been just over a week since infamous cult leader Charles Manson died in prison, and now a fanatical collector of Manson memorabilia is claiming rights to his estate.

Michael Channels is considered to be an expert on Manson and is also an avid collector of Manson-related artifacts. He also happens to be a long-time pen-pal of Manson, according to The Daily Mail.

Per newly discovered records, the two men were in frequent communication for about two decades and Channels claims to be in possession of Manson’s will, which he claims leaves the estate to him.

Channels runs a site called “www.mansonsbackporch.com,” and is a formerly bankrupt ex-construction company owner who lives in Newhall, California, according to reports.

Journalists attempted to reach out to Channels who was not available, but his apparent business partner, Stoner Van Houten, responded to inquires and confirmed that Channels is involved with the Manson estate.

After news of Manson‘s death broke the grandson of one of his victims soon spoke out. Tony LaMontagne is the grandson of Leno LaBianca who, along with his wife, were murdered by Manson’s family of followers that fateful night.

LaMontagne revealed that he found out about Manson’s death after an official representative of the prison notified him.

“My initial reaction was somewhat indifferent, as a matter of fact,” LaMontagne said. “You would think there would be some sort of … closure now but there really isn’t. We are glad that nature took its course and did what the state of California should have done.”

LaMontagne went on to say that any time Manson or his followers turn up in the news, the old wounds of his loss are reopened.

“It’s like putting a Band-Aid on the cut that just about heals and you rip it off and it tears it open again,” he said.

“From a 10-year-old’s perspective, you lay in bed at night running through: ‘What was it like? What happened? What was going through my grandfather’s mind,’” he said, explaining that he has been processing the terrible murder of his grandfather since he was a child.

Finally, LaMontagne suggested to reporters that he strongly opposes any of Manson’s followers being released for any reason.

“This is an ongoing thing,” LaMontagne stated. “He’s gone but they are still three people that went into our home that murdered my grandfather and his wife that are still in prison that the State of California is strongly considering paroling.”