The California Department of Corrections confirms that infamous cult leader Charles Manson died Sunday night of natural causes. He was 83. In 1971, Manson was convicted of orchestrating the murders of pregnant actress Sharon Tate and six others.

The shocking crimes inspired the book “Helter Skelter,” its title referring to Manson’s claim the killings were inspired by a Beatles song of the same name.

Manson had been in and out of jail since childhood before using his charisma to surround himself with runaways and other lost souls, who were later dubbed “The Manson Family.”