When was this published?

This article was first published on July 25, 2026 by KTSM 9 News (NBC) and curated for The El Paso readers.

Who reported this story?

This story was reported by Steph Whiteside at KTSM 9 News (NBC).

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See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs.

Woman learns Charles Manson was her grandfather after DNA test

Summary by The El Paso Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Steph Whiteside, KTSM 9 News (NBC) · July 25, 2026 · 1 min read

Photo: KTSM 9 News (NBC) · view original

Sophia Maddox documented her journey as she grappled with being related to the notorious cult leader.

Why this matters in The El Paso

The revelation that a local woman, Sophia Maddox, is the granddaughter of Charles Manson brings a dark chapter of American history to El Paso's doorstep. As Maddox navigates this shocking family connection, her experience may resonate with other El Pasoans who have uncovered unexpected secrets through DNA testing. The city's strong sense of community and family ties makes such discoveries particularly complex, as individuals must reconcile their own identities with the actions of their ancestors. Maddox's decision to document her journey suggests a desire to process and share her experience, potentially sparking conversations about the intersection of family, identity, and personal responsibility in El Paso. As her story unfolds, it may prompt others in the community to reflect on their own family histories and the ways in which they shape our understanding of ourselves.

About this story

Original reporting by KTSM 9 News (NBC). The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit KTSM 9 News (NBC). Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: local · Published: July 25, 2026 · Source: KTSM 9 News (NBC) · Reading time: 1 min

Summary created by	The El Paso Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	Steph Whiteside, KTSM 9 News (NBC)
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 25, 2026
AI assistance	Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text
Prepublication human review	No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples

Woman learns Charles Manson was her grandfather after DNA test

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