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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Dying Manson Killer Pleads Today for 'Sympathy' Parole

Susan Atkins suffers from brain cancer 40 years after slashing Sharon Tate

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(Newser) – The Charles Manson cult member who held down pregnant actress Sharon Tate and stabbed her 16 times will plead for sympathy today at her 13th parole hearing, reports CNN. Susan Atkins, 61, is suffering from brain cancer and is 85% paralyzed, according to her husband. The hearing may be held at her bedside at Chochilla prison in central California, officials said.

Gov. Arnold Schwazenegger earlier this summer denied Atkins' request for compassionate release. Tate's sister, Debra, wants Atkins behind bars. "The Manson Family murderers are sociopaths, and they can never be rehabilitated," she said. "They should all stay right where they are—in prison—until they die."

Susan Atkins is shown in this undated handout photo provided by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Atkins, a follower of Charles Manson who stabbed pregnant actress Sharon Tate to death nearly 40 years ago but is dying of brain cancer in a California prison was denied compassionate release...
Susan Atkins is shown in this undated handout photo provided by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Atkins, a follower of Charles Manson who stabbed pregnant actress Sharon Tate...   (AP Photo/California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation)
In this 1969 file photo, Susan Atkins arrives in court in 1969 for trial in the Mansion cult killings.
In this 1969 file photo, Susan Atkins arrives in court in 1969 for trial in the Mansion cult killings.   (AP Photo)
Cult leader Charles Manson walks into the courtroom as Susan Atkins looks on in Santa Monica, Calif., in 1970.
Cult leader Charles Manson walks into the courtroom as Susan Atkins looks on in Santa Monica, Calif., in 1970.   (AP Photo/File)
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Susan Atkins talks to Diane Sawyer about her hope for freedom.   (bretg78)

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15 comments
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riffran
Sep 2, 09 5:16 AM CDT
sure why not....Sharon Tate and her unborn child should sit in the panel Reply
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0
Ucantusethatname
Sep 2, 09 5:16 AM CDT
Schwazenegger is right. Let Atkins die in prison. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+8
Mad
Sep 2, 09 5:51 AM CDT
Mercy is an exquisitely human emotion. Seeking revenge and never forgiving, any animal can exhibit. After 40 years, I think they should show some clemency Reply
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-8
IN RESPONSE:
DarkFrancis
Sep 2, 09 7:07 AM CDT
Funny, the double standard of compassion you have.
Vote up! Vote down!
+5
IN RESPONSE:
Mad
Sep 2, 09 12:07 PM CDT
WHAT 'double standard'? I've never changed my opinion of subjects like the death penalty, or offering clemency to prisoners (after lengthy sentences). WTF are you talking about?
Vote up! Vote down!
-1

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