Candy Stevens: Unveiling The Enigma Of Manson's First Wife

**The name Candy Stevens might evoke images of sweetness and light, but for those familiar with the darker chapters of 20th-century American history, it conjures a far more complex and unsettling reality. Leona Rae Stevens, better known by her street name "Candy," was inextricably linked to one of the most notorious criminals of all time: Charles Manson. Her story is a fascinating, albeit troubling, footnote in the annals of true crime, offering a glimpse into the early life and manipulative prowess of a man who would later orchestrate horrific murders.** This article delves deep into the life of Candy Stevens, exploring her brief but impactful marriage to Manson, her role in his nascent criminal career, and the reasons why her narrative, though often overshadowed, remains a crucial piece of the Manson puzzle. Understanding Candy Stevens requires peeling back layers of notoriety and misconception. While the world remembers Manson for the chilling Tate-LaBianca murders, Candy's story predates that horrific period, shedding light on the formative years of a cult leader. Her life, intertwined with Manson's during a pivotal time, reveals the insidious ways in which he began to exert control and exploit those around him, setting a dangerous precedent for the events that would follow.

Table of Contents

• Biography of Leona Rae "Candy" Stevens
• Personal Data: Leona Rae "Candy" Stevens
• The Early Life and Intersection with Charles Manson
• The Marriage to Charles Manson: A Union of Convenience and Control
  • Prostitution and Manson's Exploitation
  • The Birth of Charles Luther Manson
• Her Involvement in Manson's Early Criminal History
• The Divorce and Disappearance from the Spotlight
• Distinguishing "Candy Stevens" the Person from the Confectionery
  • The Sweet World of Candy: A Brief Diversion
  • Why the Distinction Matters for Historical Accuracy
• The Lingering Legacy and Historical Significance

Biography of Leona Rae "Candy" Stevens

Leona Rae Stevens, known more widely by her alias "Candy," entered the public consciousness not through her own merits or achievements, but through her ill-fated connection to Charles Manson. Born Leona Rae Stevens, she adopted the nickname "Candy" as a street name, a moniker she used while working as a sex worker. Her life before meeting Manson remains largely obscure, a commonality among many individuals who found themselves drawn into his orbit. What is known, however, is that her path crossed with Manson's in the late 1950s, leading to a tumultuous relationship that would forever cement her place in his dark history. In 1959, Leona Candy Stevens became Charles Manson's wife, according to court records per LAist. Their marriage in California marked a significant, albeit brief, chapter in Manson's life. During this period, Manson's manipulative tendencies were already evident, as he got women to prostitute, including his own girlfriend, Leona Rae "Candy" Stevens, also known as Leona Rae Musser, and reaped the rewards himself. This exploitation was a grim precursor to the control he would later exert over the members of his "Family." Their union also saw the birth of their son, Charles Luther Manson. Despite the presence of a child, the marriage was far from stable. True love, as the narrative suggests, eluded Manson, and the relationship was characterized by his criminal activities and her complicity, or perhaps coercion. Candy Stevens was featured in the 2013 book *Manson, The*, which shed further light on her role. Her brief marriage to him, from 1959 to 1963, and her involvement in his early criminal history are the primary reasons she is remembered. She played a key role in the life of the infamous cult leader, before he became notorious for orchestrating the brutal murders of Sharon Tate and others. Initially, Musser, or Candy Stevens, lied in a court proceeding when Manson was sentenced to 10 years, attempting to keep him out of prison. This act underscores the complex nature of their relationship and the influence Manson held over her. However, their marriage ultimately dissolved, with Stevens marrying Manson in the late '50s but separating from him in the early '60s. Once they got divorced, nothing much is known about Candy Stevens, leaving her later life shrouded in mystery. She was thrust into the spotlight when she started dating Charles Manson, little did she know at the time that her charming prince was also a notorious criminal.

Personal Data: Leona Rae "Candy" Stevens

To provide a clearer picture of this historically significant individual, here is a summary of available personal data concerning Leona Rae "Candy" Stevens: | Attribute | Detail