Charles Manson Prison Photo: New Mugshot Shows Cult Leader In Good Shape

A new mugshot of infamous cult leader Charles Manson was released Thursday by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, months after he was hospitalized.

The photo was taken at the Corcoran State Prison in Northern California where the 82-year-old is serving a life term.

In the new photo, Manson looks older than he did in his previous mugshot and, according to TMZ, he may have done something to the swastika tattoo just above his eyebrows.

The report explained the reason behind the release of Manson's mugshot. According to TMZ, prisoners get photographed every few years so that in the event of a jailbreak, authorities can easily locate them by circulating their latest photo.

The mugshot comes months after Manson went through a health crisis, triggering fear for his life when he was admitted to the hospital for gastrointestinal bleeding. The medical center in Bakersfield, California, where Manson was admitted canceled his surgery at the time, citing his weak health. While reports said he may not survive, Manson recovered and was eventually taken back to Corcoran State Prison.

Manson has been in jail since 1971 and was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy. He was initially sentenced to death along with three conspirators, who were part of his drug and sex-fueled commune outside Los Angeles.

But before they could be executed, the death penalty was abolished in California in 1972.

Manson is one of the most infamous criminals in U.S. history. He fostered a community of close followers in the 1960s, and directed them to conduct a series of gruesome murders in August 1969.

Members of Manson’s cult following called “The Family” were wildly influenced by Manson, whom they saw as a Jesus figure prepared to lead a race war. Manson's followers who helped him incite a race war include Leslie Van Houten, Mary Brunner, Susan Atkins, Linda Kasabian, Patricia Krenwinkel, and Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme.

Instigated by him, they carried out a number of murders.

The wife of movie director Roman Polanski, Sharon Tate, who was 8 ½ months pregnant was stabbed to death at her Benedict Canyon, California, home alongside Jay Sebring, 35; Voytek Frykowski, 32; coffee heiress Abigail Folger, 25; and Steven Parent, 18.

The following night, the so-called Manson family killed Leno LaBianca and Rosemary LaBianca in Los Feliz.

According to reports, he never took part in the killings.

Manson was denied parole 12 times since his conviction.

Manson is believed to have three biological sons, the first identified as Charles Manson Jr, who later changed his name to Jay White. He reportedly sired White with his first wife, Rosalie Jean Willis, who he married in 1955. According to reports, White killed himself in the '90s as he was unable to cope with the violence inflicted by Manson.

Manson’s second son is said to be Charles Luther who was born to Leona “Candy” Stevens. His third recognized son is Valentine Michael who was born to Mary Brunner, the first convert into "The Family."