Charles Manson and Manson Family Involvement
In 1967, Fromme went to Venice Beach, suffering from depression. Charles Manson, who had been recently released from federal prison at Terminal Island, between San Pedro and Long Beach, saw her and struck up a conversation. Fromme found Manson's philosophies and attitudes appealing, and the two became friends, traveling together and with other young people such as Mary Brunner and Susan Atkins. She lived in Southern California at Spahn Ranch, and in the desert near Death Valley. George Spahn gave her the nickname "Squeaky", because of the sound she made when he touched her.
After Manson and some of his followers were arrested for the Tate/La Bianca murders in 1969, Fromme and the remaining "Manson family" camped outside of the trial. When Manson and his fellow defendants, Patricia Krenwinkel, Leslie Van Houten and Atkins carved Xs into their foreheads, so did Fromme and her compatriots. They proclaimed Manson's innocence and preached his apocalyptic philosophy to the news media and to anyone else who would listen. She was never charged with involvement in the murders, but was convicted of attempting to prevent Manson's imprisoned followers from testifying, as well as contempt of court, when she herself refused to testify. She was given short jail sentences for both offenses.
Fromme, together with Sandra Good, moved into a dilapidated attic apartment, in downtown Sacramento; They wanted to be near Charles Manson, who at the time had been moved to Folsom prison. Around 1973, Fromme started work on an extensive 600 page book about The Family, including intricate drawings and photos; other Family members had contributed to it as well. Fromme sent it to every publisher she knew, but after discussing the matter with Steve Grogan, she decided the project was too incriminating, and the project was dropped. It is not known where the book ended up.
Read more about this topic: Lynette Fromme
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