Former Manson Family Member Battling Brain Cancer; Denied Parole
Former Manson family member, Susan Atkins, has been denied parole despite her terminal battle with brain cancer. Atkins was convicted of killing Sharon Tate by repeatedly stabbing the pregnant actress in 1969. It is speculated that this will be Atkin's last chance for parole, as her illness is so advanced - she will likely die of brain cancer soon. It has been over 40 years since Atkins killed Sharon Tate - time she has apparently spent rehabilitating herself and devoting her time in prison to charity. Some people say that 40 years is enough and she should be paroled and allowed to die a free woman because of the charitable contributions she has made over the past four decades.
Sound off! Do you think that Susan Atkins should have been paroled because of her illness and alleged rehabilitation? Leave your response in the "Comments" section below.
Comments
Of course she should be let out.
40 Years imprisonment is a basic Life sentence and she is going to Die. Let her Die breathing the fresh air.
Patrick’s comment is obviously that of someone who knows NOTHING about what Manson ordered his “disciples” to do. Among Ms. Atkin’s deeds, there was sticking a fork into Leo Bianco, and killing 8-month-pregnant Sharon Tate. Why should her present condition allow her the freedom she forever denied Sharon Tate, Roman Polanski, their unborn son, Richard, Jay Sebring, Abagail Folger, and the other victims?
these beasts should have been put to death long ago..my only regret is that with cancer she will suffer so little compared to the people she helped murder..
I agree with Patrick and I do know how violent the crimes were. I remember them well.
But, Susan Atkins was little more than a child when she was taken over by Charles Manson and her mind was controlled by him through manipulation and drugs.
This is 40 years later and she is dying. What purpose would it serve to let her die in prison? I say let her out to die.
Susan Atkins was a grown woman when she committed murder. She was twenty-one years old. I am torn about the death penalty for these animals. On one hand I think they should have suffered everyday thinking about what they did, on the other I think they should have died. I am unsure how they would have been sentenced to die then, although I am pretty sure it would have been a lot more humane than being stabbed to death. It didn’t matter because all of their death sentences were commuted to life in prison anyway. She should spend the rest of her life remembering what she did and not let out. She was allowed to marry twice. Remember, this is someone who laughed at the trial when she described Sharon Tate’s last breath. She showed them no mercy, the same should go for her.