UPDATE: New revelations about the late Mary Neiswender’s *intimate correspondence* with infamous mass murderer Charles Manson have just surfaced, alongside a *disturbing deathbed confession* from Mary herself. This shocking story, shared by her daughter Kate Neiswender, unfolds a unique relationship that spanned over five decades, revealing chilling insights into Manson’s psyche.
The letters, chronicling Mary’s communications with Manson while she reported on his trial for the *Long Beach Press-Telegram* in the *1970s*, showcase a bizarre friendship formed between a journalist and one of America’s most notorious criminals. Mary, who passed away at the age of *98* in March 2025, had kept the details private until Manson’s death in *November 2017*.
Kate, now *68* and a lawyer, recalls her mother’s interactions with the killer, describing Manson as a man who could charm and manipulate. “What you grew up with is what becomes familiar,” Kate reflected, highlighting the unusual nature of Manson’s phone calls to their family home during her childhood.
Manson was infamous for orchestrating the brutal murders of *Sharon Tate* and others, yet Mary maintained a complex view of him. “She did not see him as evil,” Kate stated, revealing her mother’s ability to see beyond the monstrous acts Manson committed. In stark contrast, other killers she covered, such as *William Bonin*, were viewed as purely malevolent.
Throughout their correspondence, Manson expressed a desire to spread a misunderstood *”cause,”* often veering into incoherence. In a misspelled letter from March 1975, he wrote, “I tryed with all I had to wake you, but I’m made in to the worst for it.” Despite his literacy issues, Mary recognized a level of emotional intelligence in him that captivated many troubled individuals.
In a haunting revelation, Mary shared her struggles in her later years, telling Kate, “I dream things I shouldn’t dream.” This statement encapsulates the emotional toll her decades of reporting on crime had taken on her. Kate recounted that caregivers at her mother’s assisted living facility noted her waking from nightmares in her final days.
The book, titled *”Charlie and Me,”* co-authored by Mary and Kate, was released posthumously, allowing for the first public glimpse into the letters exchanged between Mary and Manson. This narrative sheds light on the intricacies of their relationship, making it a compelling read for those fascinated by the darker aspects of human nature.
As this story continues to unfold, it raises questions about the psychological impact of engaging with individuals accused of horrific crimes and the blurred lines between fascination and fear. The details of this relationship not only challenge perceptions of Manson but also highlight the complexities of reporting on crime and morality.
Stay tuned for more updates as this extraordinary story develops, revealing deeper layers of human connection in the face of darkness.
