After spending nearly half a century in prison, Charles Manson has passed away at the age 83 on Sunday, Nov. 19, TMZ reports. Debra Tate, sister of actress/Manson victim Sharon Tate, confirmed the news to the online outlet. The 83-year-old mass murderer was rushed to a hospital in Bakersfield, CA on Nov. 12, according to TMZ and his condition quickly deteriorated.

"It's not going to get any better for him," a source said shortly before his death, explaining that the inmate had undergone various procedures, all while being accompanied by five cops. "It's just a matter of time."

Charles' situation seemed beyond repair ever since he was sent to the hospital for internal bleeding in January. He needed to get surgery to repair a lesion in his intestines, but the doctors said he was too weak to operate on, so he was sent back to prison. It's a wonder he lasted almost a whole year without the lifesaving procedure.

Charles' death means relief for the many families affected by the murders of his cult in the late 1960's. Nine people were killed under his instructions, and he was sentenced to the death penalty in 1971, but his life was spared when California abolished capital punishment just one year later. Charles went on to spend 46 years behind bars.

The cult leader was perhaps at the peak of his pop culture relevance when he died, after many TV shows referenced him in 2017. American Horror Story: Cult used his image as portrayed by Evan Peters while his name came up multiple times in Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders. There have also been many documentaries and shows about the killer, including the 2015 drama Aquarius, where Gethin Anthony played Charles. We hope this brings closure to the many people affected by Charles' crimes.

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