Melodie Sewell

Written by Melodie Sewell

Modified & Updated: 23 Sep 2024

37-facts-about-afton-burton
Source: Scotthoustonphoto.com

Who is Afton Burton? Afton Burton, also known as Star, is a name that has intrigued many due to her unusual connection with infamous cult leader Charles Manson. Born in 1988, Burton grew up in Illinois. At 16, she became fascinated with Manson's environmental views and began corresponding with him. Eventually, she moved to California to be closer to him, even attempting to marry him in 2014. Her story is a mix of curiosity, controversy, and commitment that has left many people puzzled. Why did she choose this path? Let's dive into 37 facts about Afton Burton to understand her better.

Key Takeaways:

  • Afton Burton, also known as "Star," gained notoriety for her connection to Charles Manson. Despite facing public scrutiny, she remained dedicated to advocating for Manson's innocence.
  • After Manson's death, Afton Burton sought a quieter life in Illinois, reconnecting with family and pursuing new causes. She continues her artistic pursuits and community involvement while reflecting on her past.
Table of Contents

Who is Afton Burton?

Afton Burton is a name that might not ring a bell for everyone, but her story is quite intriguing. She gained attention due to her connection with a notorious figure in American history. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about Afton Burton.

  1. Born in 1988
    Afton Elaine Burton was born in 1988, making her a millennial. Her early life was relatively normal until she became involved with a controversial figure.

  2. Grew Up in Illinois
    She spent her childhood in Bunker Hill, Illinois, a small town with a population of just over 1,700 people.

  3. Met Charles Manson at 17
    At the age of 17, Afton Burton began corresponding with Charles Manson, the infamous cult leader, after reading about him online.

  4. Moved to California
    In 2007, she moved to Corcoran, California, to be closer to Manson, who was incarcerated at Corcoran State Prison.

  5. Changed Her Name
    Afton adopted the name "Star" after becoming a follower of Manson. She believed it represented her new identity and devotion to him.

  6. Started a Website
    She created a website to advocate for Manson's release, claiming he was innocent and misunderstood.

  7. Engaged to Manson
    In 2014, news broke that Afton Burton and Charles Manson were engaged, a revelation that shocked many.

  8. Marriage License Expired
    Their marriage license expired in 2015 before they could tie the knot, reportedly due to logistical issues.

  9. Denied Marriage Rumors
    Despite the expired license, Afton denied rumors that she had ulterior motives for wanting to marry Manson, such as gaining control of his estate.

  10. Continued Advocacy
    Even after the failed marriage attempt, she continued to advocate for Manson's release until his death in 2017.

Afton Burton's Personal Beliefs and Actions

Afton Burton's beliefs and actions have been a subject of public interest. Her dedication to Manson and her personal convictions have shaped much of her life.

  1. Believed in Manson's Innocence
    She firmly believed that Manson was innocent of the crimes he was convicted for and that he was a victim of a corrupt justice system.

  2. Vegan Lifestyle
    Afton adopted a vegan lifestyle, which she maintained throughout her time advocating for Manson.

  3. Artistic Pursuits
    She engaged in various artistic pursuits, including painting and writing, often drawing inspiration from her beliefs and experiences.

  4. Media Appearances
    Afton made several media appearances to discuss her relationship with Manson and her views on his innocence.

  5. Criticized by Public
    Her relationship with Manson and her public advocacy led to significant criticism and scrutiny from the public and media.

  6. Maintained Privacy
    Despite her public advocacy, Afton has managed to keep many aspects of her personal life private.

  7. Support Network
    She built a support network of like-minded individuals who shared her beliefs about Manson's innocence.

  8. Legal Troubles
    Afton faced legal troubles related to her advocacy efforts, including accusations of attempting to smuggle items to Manson in prison.

  9. Social Media Presence
    She used social media to spread her message and connect with supporters, though her accounts often faced backlash.

  10. Continued Advocacy Post-Manson
    After Manson's death, Afton continued to advocate for other causes she believed in, though she remained less in the public eye.

The Impact of Afton Burton's Actions

Afton Burton's actions have had a lasting impact on her life and the lives of those around her. Her dedication to Manson and her advocacy efforts have left a mark on public perception.

  1. Public Perception
    Her relationship with Manson significantly affected how the public perceives her, often overshadowing other aspects of her life.

  2. Family Strain
    Her dedication to Manson caused strain within her family, leading to estrangement from some relatives.

  3. Media Sensation
    The engagement to Manson turned her into a media sensation, with numerous articles and interviews focusing on her life.

  4. Documentaries
    Afton has been featured in several documentaries exploring her relationship with Manson and her advocacy efforts.

  5. Books and Articles
    Numerous books and articles have been written about her, often focusing on her controversial relationship with Manson.

  6. Public Speaking
    She has given public speeches about her beliefs and experiences, though these events often attract controversy.

  7. Legal Repercussions
    Her actions have led to legal repercussions, including investigations and potential charges related to her advocacy.

  8. Mental Health
    Afton has spoken about the mental health challenges she faced due to the public scrutiny and criticism.

  9. Financial Struggles
    Her dedication to Manson and her advocacy efforts have led to financial struggles, as she often prioritized these over personal gain.

  10. Legacy
    Afton's legacy is complex, with some viewing her as a misguided follower and others as a dedicated advocate for what she believed was justice.

Afton Burton's Life After Manson

After Charles Manson's death, Afton Burton's life took different turns. Her story continues to evolve, with new chapters unfolding.

  1. Moved Back to Illinois
    Following Manson's death, Afton moved back to Illinois, seeking a quieter life away from the media spotlight.

  2. New Causes
    She began advocating for new causes, focusing on issues she felt passionate about, though none gained as much attention as her work for Manson.

  3. Reconnected with Family
    Afton made efforts to reconnect with estranged family members, seeking to rebuild relationships strained by her past actions.

  4. Private Life
    She has maintained a more private life, avoiding the media attention that once surrounded her.

  5. Continued Art
    Afton continued her artistic pursuits, using them as an outlet for expression and coping with her past experiences.

  6. Community Involvement
    She became involved in her local community, participating in various volunteer activities and local events.

  7. Reflections on Past
    Afton has reflected on her past actions and beliefs, sharing her insights with those close to her and in occasional public statements.

Final Thoughts on Afton Burton

Afton Burton's life is a mix of curiosity and controversy. Her connection to Charles Manson, a notorious criminal, has made her a figure of public interest. Despite her young age, she made headlines by planning to marry Manson, which never happened. Burton's story is a reminder of how individuals can become entwined with infamous figures, leading to widespread media attention. Her actions have sparked debates about influence, manipulation, and the human psyche. While some see her as a misguided youth, others view her as a person seeking purpose in a dark place. Understanding Burton's choices offers insight into the complexities of human behavior and the impact of charismatic, albeit dangerous, personalities. Her life continues to be a topic of fascination, reflecting broader themes of identity, influence, and the search for meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Afton Burton?
Afton Burton, also known as Star, gained notoriety for her relationship with Charles Manson, a notorious criminal and cult leader. She moved across the country as a young adult to be closer to Manson, eventually planning to marry him.
How did Afton Burton become associated with Charles Manson?
Burton became fascinated with Manson during her teenage years after reading about him. Her fascination turned into a devoted following, leading her to move closer to the prison where Manson was held and start corresponding with him.
Did Afton Burton and Charles Manson get married?
Although they planned to marry and even obtained a marriage license, Burton and Manson never officially tied the knot. The marriage license expired without being used for a wedding ceremony.
What was Afton Burton's motive behind wanting to marry Manson?
Burton claimed her motive was love and a desire to advocate for Manson's innocence. However, critics speculated other motives, including gaining media attention and access to Manson's estate.
How has Afton Burton's relationship with Manson affected her life?
Burton's relationship with Manson thrust her into the media spotlight, affecting her personal life and public perception. Despite the controversy, she remained a staunch defender of Manson until his death in 2017.
What did Afton Burton do after Charles Manson's death?
Following Manson's death, details about Burton's life became less public. She has maintained a low profile, with limited information available about her current activities or whether she continues to advocate for Manson's legacy.
Is there any public record of Afton Burton expressing regret for her association with Manson?
Public records of Burton expressing regret are scarce. Interviews and statements she made were largely supportive of Manson, focusing on her belief in his innocence and her dedication to his cause.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.