Dying Manson follower considered for release

bhdean · 07-15-2008, 15:24

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California parole officials are considering compassionate release for a follower of Charles Manson who is dying of brain cancer.

Susan Atkins' doctors and officials at the women's prison in Corona made the request in March because of her deteriorating health. The request is among items the parole board is considering at its Tuesday meeting.
Atkins, two other women and Manson were tried for the 1969 cult killings of seven people, including pregnant actress Sharon Tate.
Atkins has been imprisoned for 37 years, longer than any other female in state history.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley wants Atkins to stay in prison. He says she stabbed Tate, tasted her blood and used it to write "Pig" on Tate's door.

jjvman · 07-15-2008, 17:30

I thought the sentence was life. When she dies, her sentence is served. Until then, let her rot there. Are they also planning to give Sharon Tate and the other victims release from death?

Woodmonkey · 07-15-2008, 19:47

I thought they'd decided to leave her behind bars to die. That's what they should do.

bhdean · 07-16-2008, 07:57

I think her and Charley both should stay in the dungeon until the flesh is no longer on their worthless bones.

filthybeast · 07-16-2008, 08:05

They turned her down. She stays in the joint.

bhdean · 07-16-2008, 08:11

Great deal. I used to have a copy of playboy with Sharon Tate in a bath tub. Terrible thing Charley and his friends did, Sharon was so beautiful.

Woodmonkey · 07-16-2008, 14:03

Manson family killer denied 'compassionate release' for cancer

Wed Jul 16, 1:16 AM ET

A California parole board Tuesday denied a "compassionate release" for former Charles Manson family member Susan Atkins, who after 37 years in jail for multiple murder is dying from terminal cancer, at 60 years of age.

The 12-member California Board of Parole Hearings listened to arguments for and against Atkins' release, and issued its decision without explanation in a court document.

Los Angeles Country District Attorney Steve Cooley argued Monday in a letter to parole board chairman James Davis that Atkins, who is reportedly dying from brain cancer, should not be granted compassionate release.

Atkins was found guilty of taking part in the brutal murders of actress Sharon Tate -- heavily pregnant with film-maker Roman Polanski's child -- and six other people during the Manson followers' deranged 1969 killing spree.

Cooley said Atkins -- who admitted slitting Tate's throat even as Tate begged her to let her unborn baby live -- should stay in prison.

"To grant (Atkins') release would be an affront to the people of this state, the California criminal justice system and the next of kin of many murder victims," Cooley said.

"Her horrific crimes alone warrant a denial of her request," he said, adding that Atkins had "failed to demonstrate genuine remorse and understanding of the gravity of her crimes."

Cooley said that Atkins, whose bid for freedom had been approved by the prison where she is being held, could receive "appropriate, dignified and compassionate medical care" within the California prison system.

In May, doctors reportedly predicted Atkins had six months to live.

Manson, 73, Atkins and other followers of his were initially given the death penalty for the murders. But the sentences were commuted to life in prison after the US Supreme Court established new requirements for capital cases.

The Source