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25 Sep 2009 10:35

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U.S.: Ex-Manson family member Susan Atkins dies at 61

  • 38 number of years Susan Atkins spent in jail for murdering Sharon Tate in 1969; she was the longest-serving female inmate in California
  • 13 attempts by the reformed Manson family member at parole, including a “compassionate release” last year; all were denied source

30 Mar 2009 10:21

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U.S.: The Manson “family” – are they really a danger anymore?

  • Model prisoners Charles Manson’s followers in the late 1960s – the ones who killed Sharon Tate and numerous others – appear to no longer be a danger to society. They all have spotless prison records; they all seem to show remorse and personal responsibility for their crimes. Yet, Susan Atkins (who’s terminally ill), Charles “Tex” Watson (who’s a minister), Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten probably will never be let out of prison.
  • No shot at parole? Despite the records, what’s working against them is the sensationalism of their crimes. They keep going up to parole boards, only to get shunned. There are reasons it makes sense to let them go: Prisons are expensive. California’s broke. But it may not be enough. For the record, Tate’s sister doesn’t want them paroled, saying the slayings were “so vicious, so inhumane, so depraved, that there is no turning back.” source