Lady J In Lotus Pose: Former Charles Manson follower Susan Atkins will soon die - Parole hearing will decide whether she will be released to die at home

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Former Charles Manson follower Susan Atkins will soon die - Parole hearing will decide whether she will be released to die at home

(www.susanatkins.org)
Susan Atkins 1969

It's been 40 years since former Charles Manson follower, Susan Atkins committed the murder of the then pregnant actress Sharon Tate. Atkins stabbed Tate 16 times.

Atkins is 61 years old and is dying from brain cancer. Atkins' husband and attorney, James Whitehouse is hoping she will be released so that she may die at home. It is reported that Atkins only has a few weeks to live. She is paralyzed over 85% of her body and not stable.

Oct. 13, 1970 photo. Here Charles Manson walks into the courtroom as Susan Atkins, a member of his followers. (AP)

The murder occurred when actress Sharon Tate was 8 months pregnant. Tate's husband, director Roman Polanski was in London at the time of the murder as he was working on a film. Tate was being visited by three friends. One was coffee heiress Abigail Folger and her boyfriend Wojciech Frykowski, and the third was Tate’s former boyfriend, hairstylist Jay Sebring.

Frykowski, who was in the living room on the couch, was kicked in the head by Manson Follower "Tex" Watson. At one point Watson proclaimed, “I’m the devil, and I’m here to do the devil’s business.” Frykowski attempted to escape and Atkins stabbed him in the legs. As he made his way outside, Watson hit him in the head with a gun, stabbed him, and shot him twice. Folger tried to escape as well and Krenwinkel tackled her on the front lawn stabbing her 28 times. Frykowski was still alive and struggled on the lawn, before Watson stabbed him 21 times.

Tate pleaded with Susan Atkins to spare the life of her baby. She cried, “Mother… mother… mother…” while Atkins stabbed her 16 times. As the Manson followers left they wrote the word "Pig" on the door of the home using Tate’s blood.

It is my belief that Atkins has rehabilitated. She has separated herself from Manson and his philosophies long ago. She has taken responsibility for her actions.

Atkins was diagnosed with brain cancer in March 2008. On May 15th, 2009 Atkins was given less than six months to live.

In the past, California Govenor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sharon Tate's sister, Debra Tate, have opposed Atkins’ release. Atkins has been denied parole 12 times. Apparently Debra Tate explained to CNN that she feels all of the Manson followers should remain in prison. She said the murders were “so vicious, so inhumane, so depraved, that there is no turning back.”

Atkins' hearing has been pushed to September of this year. Her husband fears that she may not live that long.

Susan Atkins interview with Diane Sawyer in 2002

Susan Atkins interview 1985 PART 1

Susan Atkins interview 1985 PART 2

Susan Atkins parole hearing 2009

Atkins has accomplished much in prison. A list of her accomplishments can be viewed here.
I cannot imagine the pain that the Tate family has suffered at the hand of Atkins. However, I do believe in rehabilitation and I think Atkins is not of the same mentality or spirit that she was when she met Manson.

Atkins will die soon and I imagine that Tate's sister is quite pleased. However, Atkins has not been a danger to society for many many years. I imagine Tate's sister carries not just anger and sorrow but hate for Susan Atkins.

Again, I do very much have empathy for the Tate family however, I think Atkins has more than paid her dues. If Atkins was not rehabilitated I would agree that she should remain in prison, but this is not the case.

I feel that Atkins must have much strength inside herself as she has not only had to accept her actions but she has had to make a life for herself even after a long process of healing.