Manson Follower, Susan Atkins Dies
Susan Atkins, 21 when arrested.
Susan Atkins was a follower of Charles Manson, the notorious cult leader of the 1960's. She is infamous for partaking in the murder of actress Sharon Tate and her eight and one-half month old fetus. She died at the age of 61 at 11:46 PM Thursday, September 24, 2009.
Atkins was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2008, which led to her pleading for release on parole so she could die at home. She was denied release and she drew her last breath behind bars. She had applied for parole multiple times, but her final attempt had stirred a great deal of controversy.
In trial, Atkins had stated that she had been under a heavy influence of LSD and Manson’s compelling charisma. “I was stoned, man, stoned on acid.” While being sentenced, Atkins addressed the court, “You'd best lock your doors... and watch your own kids.” She was sentenced to death - yet her sentence was lifted after the abolition of the death penalty in the state of California in 1972.
Susan had apologized and repented her crimes, but during her confession she had refused that she did anything wrong. When she was under trial twenty years ago, she stated, “[I have] no guilt for what I’ve done. It was right then and I still believe it was right... How can it not be right when it’s done with love?” But her recent apology was, "I don't have to just make amends to the victims and families... I have to make amends to society. I sinned against God and everything this country stands for."
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