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

Ex-SLA Leader Released From Prison

'70s radical Sara Jane Olson caught in '99; some say got off easy

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 17, 2009 1:18 PM CDT

(Newser) – The strange saga of Sara Jane Olson, from ‘70s agitator to bank robber to housewife, ended today when she was released from prison in California after serving seven years, CNN reports. Olson, a member of the Symbionese Liberation Army—best known for kidnapping Patty Hearst—fled in 1976 after being indicted for the attempted bombings of two police cars. She changed her name and moved St. Paul, Minn., where she was found in 1999.

Olson was tried for the 1975 bombings and an attempted robbery the same year. Critics, including the family of Myrna Opsahl, who was shot and killed during the robbery, say Olson deserved more prison time. "You expect thugs to do what thugs do, but you don't expect the district attorney to turn a blind eye to the murder of an upstanding citizen," Opsahl's son said.

Correctional Counselor Bart Fortner discusses the release of former SLA member Sara Jane Olson outside the Central California Women's Facility in Chowchilla, Calif., today.
Correctional Counselor Bart Fortner discusses the release of former SLA member Sara Jane Olson outside the Central California Women's Facility in Chowchilla, Calif., today.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Sara Jane Olson is seen  in a Los Angeles courtroom in a Jan. 18, 2002 file photo.
Sara Jane Olson is seen in a Los Angeles courtroom in a Jan. 18, 2002 file photo.   (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File)
This police booking photo released by California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on March 24, 2008, shows former 1970's radical Sara Jane Olson. She is 62.
This police booking photo released by California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on March 24, 2008, shows former 1970's radical Sara Jane Olson. She is 62.   (AP Photo/California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation)
Former Symbionese Liberation Army member Sara Jane Olson, accused of a 1975 attempt to blow up police officers, sits in court in Los Angeles on Sept. 13, 1999.
Former Symbionese Liberation Army member Sara Jane Olson, accused of a 1975 attempt to blow up police officers, sits in court in Los Angeles on Sept. 13, 1999.   (AP Photo/Nick Ut)
« 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
Showing 3 of 6 comments
riffran
Mar 20, 2009 2:41 AM CDT
sorry I was just reading about another convict getting out from a plea bargained manslaughter case, that had got out and raped and murdered a little girl, and was just a bit peeved that this slimeball was even released...the "plea" bargain was for a similar offense.....
Rob
Mar 18, 2009 6:35 AM CDT
Where did the death row comment come from?
oldgoat
Mar 18, 2009 2:28 AM CDT
Maybe no repeat offenders, but it has been shown that there have been several on death row that weren't guilty. Bad thing about the death penalty is there isn't a oops if you make a mistake.

More Newser Stories

French Cops Bust 26 in Record Jewel Heist

Calif. Mom Begs for Snatched Tot's Return

Error Sends Former Radical Back to Jail


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne