Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Manson Follower Won't Go Free

Board won't release ailing Susan Atkins, who admitted murdering Sharon Tate

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 15, 2008 6:11 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – A California parole board today refused to grant a compassionate release for Susan Atkins, a follower of Charles Manson who admitted murdering Sharon Tate 40 years ago, the AP reports. Atkins, 60, is dying of brain cancer, and the parole board listened to impassioned pleas from both sides in a 90-minute hearing before unanimously rejecting her release.

At her long-ago trial, Atkins denied her guilt but then admitted the grisly murder during the penalty phase. "She kept begging and pleading and begging and pleading and I got sick of listening to it, so I stabbed her." At today's parole hearing, Atkins' husband and doctors said she is paralyzed on one side, had one leg amputated, and has only a few months to live.

Susan Atkins is seen in a 1969 file photo.
Susan Atkins is seen in a 1969 file photo.   (AP Photo)
In this 1970 file photo, Charles Manson followers, from left: Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten walk to court.
In this 1970 file photo, Charles Manson followers, from left: Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten walk to court.   (AP Photo)
Shariss Atkins, the niece of Charles Manson follower Susan Atkins, wipes her eyes after asking state parole officials to consider compassionate release for her aunt.
Shariss Atkins, the niece of Charles Manson follower Susan Atkins, wipes her eyes after asking state parole officials to consider compassionate release for her aunt.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
James Whitehouse, the husband of Charles Manson follower Susan Atkins, bows his head after asking state parole officials to recommend a compassionate release.
James Whitehouse, the husband of Charles Manson follower Susan Atkins, bows his head after asking state parole officials to recommend a compassionate release.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Protesters opposed her release
Los Angeles Times

 
Charles Manson • Susan Atkins • Sharon Tate • Manson Family

More Newser Stories

Dying Ex-Manson Disciple Atkins Denied Release

Manson 'Harem' Angles for Freedom

DA to Prison Board: Don't Free Ailing Manson Killer

Sharon Tate's 'Engagement Ring' Up for Auction

Charles Manson's Right-Hand Man Seeks Parole
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne