Murderous cult leader Charles Manson dies at 83 - officials

FILE PHOTO: Charles Manson, the cult leader who sent followers known as the "Manson Family" out to commit gruesome murders, currently being held at California State Prison, Corcoran, California, U.S. is seen in this August 2017 photo released on November 16, 2017. Courtesy California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation/Handout via REUTERS/File photo

(Reuters) - Charles Manson, the U.S. cult leader who orchestrated a string of gruesome killings in Southern California by his "family" of young followers in the late 1960s, has died, according to prison officials. He was 83.

FILE PHOTO - Convicted mass murderer Charles Manson is shown in this handout picture from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation dated June 16, 2011 and released to Reuters April 8, 2012. REUTERS/CDCR/Handout/File Photo

(Reporting by Keith Coffman and Daniel Trotta; Editing by Nick Macfie)

FILE PHOTO - Charles Manson talks during an interview August 25, 1989. REUTERS/File Photo

FILE PHOTO: Charles Manson clowns around as he is led to his cell upon the conclusion of his exclusive interview with Reuters August 25, 1989. REUTERS/File Photo

FILE PHOTO: Convicted murderer Charles Manson is shown in this handout image released March 18, 2009 from Corcoran State Prison in California. REUTERS/Courtesy of Corcoran State Prison/Handout/File Photo