Candy Stevens is among those people who are both praised and criticized for their actions. You, too, may know the feeling—doing something for your own reasons and receiving a mixed public reaction.
So, what was Candy’s case? Call it fate or a dark twist of luck, Candy Stevens crossed paths with one of America’s most infamous criminals, Charles Manson—and fell in love.
Stevens did everything in her power to save her husband from jail time and legal trouble. That even included allegedly lying about being pregnant to gain sympathy from the courts.
Many would argue that what she did was absolutely WRONG. Yes, it was. But, from her point of view, it may not have been so simple.
Being married to someone deeply involved in criminal activity can leave you with very few choices, especially in an era where women had limited power or protection.
This article takes a closer look at the life of Candy Stevens—the woman who once stood by Charles Manson.
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Who Is Candy Stevens?
Candy Stevens, whose real name is Leona Rae Musser (also known as Leona Rae Stevens), was reportedly born in 1940 in Los Angeles, California. Her exact birthdate is still unknown.
Before marrying Charles Manson, she worked as a sex worker under the pseudonym Candy Stevens—a name that stuck with her in media coverage.
There is limited information about her early life, but she came into the public eye due to her marriage to Manson.
Candy Stevens has dark brown eyes and dark brown hair. According to some sources, her lucky number is 7 and her favorite color is purple. She reportedly enjoyed gardening and reading, often turning to books to relieve stress.
Quick Stats: Candy Stevens
| Full Name | Leona Rae Musser (aka Leona Rae Stevens) |
| Known As | Candy Stevens |
| Date of Birth | 1940 (Exact date unknown) |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Age (as of 2025) | Approximately 85 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation (Past) | Sex worker (reportedly), Public figure by association |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Married Charles Manson in 1959, divorced in 1963) |
| Famous For | Being the ex-wife of cult leader Charles Manson |
| Children | One son – Charles Luther Manson |
| Current Status | Unknown – Believed to be living privately or under a different identity |
Candy Stevens & Charles Manson’s Relationship:
One night, while Candy was working, she met Charles Manson. He later became a regular customer, and over time, their transactional relationship turned into something deeper.
Manson, already involved in criminal activity, would frequently run into legal trouble. He reportedly used Candy to help manipulate the courts, and she even testified on his behalf in court to reduce his sentence.
They married in 1959, after dating for some time. It’s unclear whether Candy’s involvement in sex work was her own decision or something she continued under Manson’s influence.
Many consider her a loyal partner, as she continued to support Manson publicly, even when aware of his crimes.
What Did Charles Manson Use To Do?
Charles Manson was a notorious cult leader and convicted criminal. He is believed to be responsible for nine murders, including direct and indirect involvement.
Among the most high-profile victims was Sharon Tate, a famous actress and model, murdered in 1969.
Manson also had a lesser-known side: he was a failed musician, briefly connected to industry insiders. He held twisted beliefs and led a cult-like group called “The Manson Family,” which followed his ideology.
In the 1970s, Manson stood trial for orchestrating a series of murders. This time, Candy Stevens was no longer by his side to defend him.
He received a death sentence, but it was later commuted to life in prison after the California Supreme Court banned capital punishment in 1972 (California v. Anderson).
When & Why Did Charles & Candy Stevens Get Divorce?
Before Candy, Manson was married to Rosalie Willis (1955–1958). They had a son named Charles Manson Jr., who later changed his name and, tragically, died by suicide.
Candy Stevens gave birth to a son with Charles Manson, named Charles Luther Manson.
When things escalated, and both Candy and Charles faced serious criminal charges, she reportedly chose to cooperate with authorities, revealing what she knew about her husband.
She filed for divorce in 1963 and never visited him again—except for one final time while he was incarcerated.
Where Is Candy Stevens Now?
There is little public information about Candy Stevens’ life after her divorce. She is believed to have disappeared from the public eye, possibly changing her identity.
She had one son with Charles, Charles Luther Manson, whose current status and location are also unknown. Some reports claim she went into hiding to escape media attention and public judgment.
As of now, it remains unclear whether Candy Stevens is still alive.
Conclusion:
This was a deep dive into the untold story of Candy Stevens—the woman who once stood by one of history’s most infamous criminals.
Was she just a woman in love who made bad choices, or did she knowingly enable a dangerous man?
That’s up to history—and readers like you—to decide.
Thanks for reading. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
