34 Facts About Squeaky Fromme

Early Life and Family

Lynette Alice "Squeaky" Fromme's journey began in Santa Monica, California, where she was born on October 22, 1948.

1. Fromme's parents were Helen (née Benzinger) and William Millar Fromme, an aeronautical engineer.
2. Her childhood seemed ordinary, with appearances on popular dance groups and TV shows.
3. She joined the Westchester Lariats, a well-known dance group, performing on the Lawrence Welk Show and at the White House.

Move to Redondo Beach

A significant change came when her family moved to Redondo Beach in 1963.

4. At 14, Fromme started associating with the "wrong crowd" and began using alcohol and drugs.
5. Her grades dropped at Redondo Union High School, leading to homelessness by 1967.

Involvement with Charles Manson

Fromme's life took a dramatic turn when she met Charles Manson in 1967.

6. Manson, recently released from prison, found Fromme on the shores of Redondo Beach.
7. She was immediately drawn to his philosophies and attitude, calling him a "once-in-a-lifetime soul".

Life with the Manson Family

Fromme quickly became a devoted member of the Manson Family.

8. She traveled with Manson and his followers, including Susan Atkins and Mary Brunner.
9. The group lived in a dilapidated apartment, where Fromme began writing a memoir titled Reflexion.
10. This 600-page book included intricate drawings and photos from other family members.

Attempted Assassination of President Ford

On September 5, 1975, Fromme attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford.

11. She removed a semiautomatic .45-caliber pistol from her thigh holster and aimed it at Ford.
12. A Secret Service agent quickly wrestled the gun away before any shots were fired.

Motivation Behind the Assassination Attempt

Fromme's reasons for the assassination attempt were multifaceted.

13. She wanted to get President Ford's attention to discuss the Californian Redwood trees.
14. She believed lumber companies were causing erosion and water overflow, endangering the trees.
15. Additionally, she hoped to persuade Ford to reconsider the sentences of Manson and his followers.

Trial and Sentencing

Fromme faced trial for her actions.

16. She was convicted of attempting to assassinate the President on November 19, 1975.
17. Fromme received a life sentence, highlighting her devotion to Manson.

Escape from Prison

In 1987, Fromme managed to escape from a women's prison in West Virginia.

18. She was recaptured two days later, resulting in an extension of her sentence.
19. Despite this, she remained eligible for parole.

Parole and Release

After serving approximately 34 years in prison, Fromme was granted parole.

20. She was released from the Federal Medical Center Carswell in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 14, 2009.

Post-Release Life

Following her release, Fromme moved to Marcy, New York.

21. She lived with her boyfriend, a fellow convicted felon, and kept a low profile.
22. In 2018, she published her memoir Reflexion, detailing her life with Manson and her experiences in prison.

Popular Culture References

Fromme has been portrayed in various forms of popular culture.

23. She was featured on Saturday Night Live in a skit titled "Dangerous but Inept".
24. Fromme is a character in Stephen Sondheim's musical Assassins.
25. Dakota Fanning portrayed her in Quentin Tarantino's film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Books About Squeaky Fromme

Several books have been written about Fromme.

26. Squeaky: The Life and Times of Lynette Alice Fromme by Jess Bravin was published in 1997.
27. Her own memoir, Reflexion, was published in 2018 by the Peasenhall Press.

Correspondence with Paul LaRosa

Fromme maintained an unusual written correspondence with CBS News producer Paul LaRosa.

28. Their letters discussed Manson's spell on her, environmental concerns, and the murder of Phil Hartman, a high school classmate.

Relationship with Charles Manson

Fromme's relationship with Manson was complex and deeply emotional.

29. She described him as a "once-in-a-lifetime soul" and expressed love for him even after his death in 2017.

Impact on Law Enforcement

Fromme's release raised questions within the law enforcement community.

30. Eugene O'Donnell noted that releasing someone with a violent past is a gamble, but it's rare for someone of advanced age to commit serious crimes.

Comparison with Sara Jane Moore

Fromme's assassination attempt was not an isolated incident.

31. Seventeen days after her attempt, Sara Jane Moore also tried to kill President Ford.
32. Both women were released from prison in the same year, with Fromme being released in 2009 and Moore earlier that year.

Manson Family Murders

The Manson Family is best known for the Tate-LaBianca murders in 1969.

33. Although Fromme was not directly involved, her association with Manson made her part of this infamous group.

Fromme’s Devotion to Manson

Fromme's devotion to Manson was unwavering.

34. During his murder trial, she and other female followers camped outside the courthouse, carving Xs into their foreheads in solidarity with Manson.

Squeaky Fromme: A Life of Devotion and Controversy

Squeaky Fromme's life is a wild ride of devotion, controversy, and unexpected turns. From her early days as a dancer to becoming one of Charles Manson's most loyal followers, her story is anything but ordinary. Her attempt to assassinate President Gerald Ford in 1975 put her in the national spotlight, showcasing her extreme dedication to Manson and environmental causes. After spending 34 years in prison, she was released in 2009 and has since lived a quieter life. Her memoir, Reflexion, offers a deep dive into her experiences with the Manson Family and her time behind bars. Fromme's legacy remains a mix of fascination and horror, reflecting the complex nature of her actions and beliefs. Her story continues to captivate and provoke thought, reminding us of the powerful influence of charismatic leaders and the lengths some will go to for their convictions.