Surprise: Your Biological Father May Be Charles Manson

by Tom Henderson (Subscribe to Tom Henderson's posts)
Nov 25th 2009 2:31PM

Filed under: In The News, Weird But True

Charles Manson, left, in 1969. (AP Photo). Matthew Roberts, right, was shocked to learn that he may be the secret son of the convicted killer. Credit: AP / Splash News

At some point, every adopted child wonders about his biological parents. Did I get my athletic abilities from my birth mom? Did my birth dad have these brown eyes?

In one particularly stunning case, Matthew Roberts of Los Angeles found out -- to his horror -- that he very well could be the son of convicted murderer Charles Manson.

Roberts, 41, started looking for his roots 12 years ago. Through a social service agency, he located his biological mother in Wisconsin.

She revealed that Manson might be his father. She claims she met the Helter Skelterite in 1967 -- two years before the infamous Manson Family murders -- and was raped by Manson in a drug-fueled orgy. After seeing Roberts' photo, she was convinced he is Manson's son.

Roberts was born March 22, 1968. The time line fits. Manson was released from prison March 21, 1967. He was arrested again Oct. 12, 1969. Any children he fathered near Roberts' age would have to have been conceived during that window.

Manson doesn't deny he might have children no one knows about.

"Every time I get out, I get a woman and a kid, and then she runs off," he said in a typically rambling interview for the 1989 documentary "Charles Manson, Superstar."

"Then the kid shows up 20, 30 years later, fat and acting like his mother."

There is no hard, scientific evidence linking Roberts to Manson. He has only his biological mother's word and recollection as well as a resemblance to the killer.

Roberts notices the resemblance himself. "If I get worked up, my eyes get really big and that's really freaked some people out before," he tells the British newspaper The Sun.

"I've tried to tone that down quite a bit. I don't like having that effect on people," he adds. "I don't even like the fact that I'm big. It makes me even scarier. My hero is Gandhi. I'm an extremely nonviolent, peaceful person and a vegetarian.

"I don't even kill bugs."

Roberts grew up in Rockford, Ill. and tells The Sun he has exchanged some letters with Manson. The killer has even sent him his prison phone number. However, he doesn't want to meet Manson personally.

"I didn't want to believe it," he says. "I was frightened and angry. It's like finding out that Adolf Hitler is your father. I'm a peaceful person - trapped in the face of a monster."

Related: More adoption stories

ReaderComments (Page 5 of 20)

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11-25-2009 @ 9:15PM

Derek Bluestein said...

AHhh that's awesome! "raped" by manson during an orgy, hahahh yeah okay you dingbat, like it wasn't consensual. Lucky guy to have such eccentrically brilliant blood.

Sarah said...

I believe it; I thought this immediately before I opened the link and agree he looks nice in the eyes. I don't think Charles Manson was genetically predisposed to his later behavior; this belief concerning him is just a way for people to put their minds at rest that there' some more understandable less frightening reason then the real reason for his crimes, which was his environment. I believe he was raped in prison for originally being in there for minor offenses...although I'm no expert on him or the case. I personally would have changed my name and not put my face out there as it isn't owed to anyone, especially seeing as so many have become quite scary themselves being as selfish as they are and it leading to the atrocities it has.

11-25-2009 @ 9:19PM

MADBOYMCCABE said...

HOPEFULLY, ONE THING HE GOT WAS MANSONS GENIOUS! AS ALOT OF THEM, ESPECIALLY WITH THE HELP OF TONS OF LSD AND OTHER DRUGS, EVENTUALLY GO MAD. EVEN THOUGH, IN INTERVIEWS YOU CAN TELL SOMEWHERE BEHIND THE SKITZED OUT MEGALOMANIAC, THERE IS A VERY INTELLIGENT MAN. JUST WENT IN THE WRONG DIRECTION. WHAT A MIND JOB FOR THAT DUDE!

11-25-2009 @ 9:20PM

OldHeathen said...

Hey dude, I was sniffin round the family tree one day and discovered we were related ( distantly ) to Lizzy Borden! Of course, it is a DISTANT connection LOL.
Don't by that I was on drugs and was raped stuff.....

It's what YOU DO that counts ;) I am not one of these " I could not help myself ' believers. You have total control and remember ' the children are blameless'. Have a good life!

11-25-2009 @ 9:24PM

lmitchelll said...

Except for the long hair, looks nothing like him. Different nose, mouth, brow, eyes. I think he just wishes.

11-27-2009 @ 4:48PM

Sandra said...

lmitchell>>Except for the long hair, looks nothing like him. Different nose, mouth, brow, eyes. I think he just wishes
Sandran>>Of course not ,Manson had different parents
You can see a resemblance.When someone is born they don't look totally like the parents.Unless they started cloning a person...You don't know what Charles looked like at his age.I agree on a DNA to be ordered.

11-25-2009 @ 9:22PM

Wendy said...

As the adoptive parent of children with genetic lineage that has some propensity toward anti-social behavior, I can only say the same thing to Matthew I've always said to my kids: "Your biological parents created you, but only YOU can define who you are." Matthew seems to understand that very well.

Cichandler614 said...

Charles....in the case of Matthew Roberts....you are the father!

omraee ent LLc. said...

add the comma with rythum below about loving concern.

And if you think with them, it gives pace to your thought.

you can think as fast as you want, than slow your presentation to others so your concern for perseption, and want to ease minds, with you own is self acknoledged.

11-26-2009 @ 8:14PM

steven said...

He does look like him but DNA will tell the truth and if it comes back positive all he can do is go on and be himself.

11-25-2009 @ 10:43PM

Jan said...

First of all, if you were not adopted, you may not fully understand the mixed emotions of finding out your birth parents..even if your dad is Donald Trump...okay...it's late, and I can't think of a positive role model, but you get the idea! WHAT a credit to not only this man, but his "real" parents!!! If you have ever considered adoption, but hesitate because of the nature/nurture influence, PLEASE let this be your sign of the power of LOVE, patience,and tolerance. A child of that era, I believe that Manson may be a name with no specific meaning if HE had a different background. One's upbringing NEVER excuses adult behavior-read Jim Carrey's life story-but the influence is there. Loving parents made the difference in my life, perhaps this life, but many other lives out there, waiting. Do NOT DARE judge this man's motives for confirming his DNA or not, he is blessed to be a man who knows it will NEVER define him! Use your energy for positive change, as small as tolerance OR as large as allowing a man like this have a chance through your love and your home!

11-25-2009 @ 9:26PM

MAW said...

He does not know,who his father is. His mothers' recollection I would definetly question. You come across as a very well put together guy. Get on with your' life, no matter who your' father is.

11-25-2009 @ 9:25PM

devilsrain said...

If I was this guy I wouldnt go around looking like a serial killer. Jesus man, get a haircut and shave YOU LOOK LIKE A PSYCHO

11-26-2009 @ 7:21AM

WoehrStephen said...

Lots of people with bad parents turn out good. My own dad promised himself as a child that there were some things his father did in raising him that he would do differently when raising his kids -- and he did. I would not go so far as to say that the good will always overcome the evil, but it certainly can. As the TMNT's master, Splinter, said in the second movie, "Do not confuse the specter of your origin with your present worth."

11-25-2009 @ 9:30PM

debbie said...

you could be, but I really don't see it.
Please don't let this man's thrill seeking killing spree be the cause of your own questions.
DNA can prove it, but do you absolutely really want to know?

11-25-2009 @ 9:29PM

PANTYsniffer said...

THIS IS THE LUCKIEST MAN ALIVE. HAIL CHARLIE.
A T W A !!!!!

11-25-2009 @ 9:28PM

Vadia said...

I don't think he looks like Charles Manson at all.

11-25-2009 @ 9:32PM

agreed.

11-25-2009 @ 10:17PM

alli said...

Do yourself a favor Matthew ... have a DNA test and dont fret . Even if you are his son you are your own man. Good can and does come from bad.

11-25-2009 @ 9:36PM

Annie said...

Most people these days don't judge others by their relatives, and thus you shouldn't be Matthew. You do NOT look like him ... and although you mention your eyes freaking some people out ... hey, everybody has their dark side that seems scary, but at least for you, unlike the very sick Charles Manson, at least you have been raised to think differently, and you've educated yourself according to the principles of Gandhi. That right there says a lot about you my dear Matthew ... you're OK, so even though this news must be a shock to you, it in no way means you're going to follow the evil ways of the Helter Skelter Charles Manson ... he's very sick and I agree should have received the death penalty.
God Bless YOU Matthew to continue enjoying a peaceful and fulfilling life. One gets in life what one creates. Love and Peace to you Matthew and your family whom loved and cared about you enough to adopt you. Also, blessings to your biological mother whom in her greatest love gave you a better chance at life than she thought she could.

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