Charles Manson’s purported sons could be out of estate fight

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two purported sons of Charles Manson may be out of the running in the legal battle over the infamous cult leader’s estate.

Michael Brunner has filed papers to drop his claims in the Los Angeles case and Matthew Lentz — who claims Manson fathered him at a 1967 orgy — arrived late to court on Tuesday. A judge gave Lentz until July 13 hearing to show why he shouldn’t be dismissed from the case.

Manson was serving a life sentence for orchestrating the 1969 killings of pregnant actress Sharon Tate and eight others. He died last November at 83.

At least three people claiming kinship to Manson and two so-called murderabilia collectors who befriended Manson have been involved in court fighting over his estate. They include a purported grandson and a Manson pen pal who’s filed a will naming him as sole beneficiary.