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Dying Ex-Manson Disciple Atkins Denied Release

Parole board refuses Susan Atkins' request for mercy

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 3, 2009 2:10 AM CDT
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(Newser) – California yesterday rejected Susan Atkins' plea for compassionate release, the Los Angeles Times reports. The former Charles Manson family member—California's longest-serving female inmate—has brain cancer and likely has just months to live. Atkins was busted in 1969 for participating in the murder of pregnant actress Sharon Tate and four others.

Tate "asked me to let her baby live,” Atkins said in a 1993 parole hearing where she admitted stabbing the actress 16 times. “I told her I didn’t have mercy for her."

Susan Atkins talks to reporters in 1969.
Susan Atkins talks to reporters in 1969.   (AP Photo)
Susan Atkins has lost a bid for freedom in what's likely to be here final parole hearing.
Susan Atkins has lost a bid for freedom in what's likely to be here final parole hearing.   (AP Photo/California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation)
Convicted murderer and former Charles Manson family member, Susan Atkins, watches from bed during her parole hearing at the Central California Women's Facility in Chowchilla, Calif., yesterday.
Convicted murderer and former Charles Manson family member, Susan Atkins, watches from bed during her parole hearing at the Central California Women's Facility in Chowchilla, Calif., yesterday.   (AP Photo/Ben Margot )
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 12 comments
Shannonals
Sep 5, 2009 4:07 AM CDT
DarkFrancis did you even read the article? Susan Atkin was never remorseful for her actions that night, and still refuses to apoligize for her actions. The board shouldn't have even bothered to entertain her request in the first place.
Doctor-Zaius
Sep 3, 2009 12:50 PM CDT
It costs twice as much to execute people than to keep them locked up for 40 years due to all the legal appeals required.
cmenthead
Sep 3, 2009 11:25 AM CDT
she deserved to die in 1969. society picks up a million dollar tab for her 40 years in prison. execution should be the only sentence for anyone guilty of murder.

 
parole • Charles Manson • Susan Atkins • Sharon Tate • Manson Family • compassionate release

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