Charles Manson's death prompts reaction from victims' advocates

CULVER CITY, Calif. (KABC) -- Nearly 50 years have passed since the two nights of shocking violence that came to be known as the Manson family murders. But for the families of Charles Manson's victims, the suffering never really ended.

If Manson's name were never mentioned again, victims' advocates say they would be very happy.

For 49 years the cult leader has attracted followers. After his death Sunday at 83, the people who speak out for victims say "No more."

"Charles Manson is a disgust and he's dead," Rosemary Moreau said Monday at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, where victims Sharon Tate and her unborn son are buried. "That's why I'm here."

In South Los Angeles, LaWanda Hawkins of the group Justice for Homicide Victims also spoke out.

"I was like, thank God," she said. "Right on. He finally left here. We don't have to worry about him anymore."

Hawkins said Tate's mother sparked the movement that Hawkins carries on today - to be ever mindful that the pain does not ebb, even if Manson is dead.

"If it wasn't for Doris Tate, a lot of people like me would've never had victims' rights or anything," Hawkins said.

Nine people were murdered by the Manson family, including one victim whose remains were not discovered until eight years after the carnage.

Manson "was certainly a cult leader," said Michele Hanisee, president of the Association of Deputy District Attorneys. "If anything, we need to understand his level of psychopathy and manipulation, so we can recognize it in the future."