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Manson Follower Susan Atkins Dies in Prison
Susan Atkins in 1969 (AP Photo, File)
Susan Atkins, the longest incarcerated woman in California history, died last night of natural causes. The 61-year-old native from San Gabriel was diagnosed with brain cancer, which prompted her to and relatives to ask for a compassionate release . That, along with thirteen attempts to be paroled, was denied last summer . Her last parole hearing was just a few weeks ago on September 3rd (she's been trying to be paroled since 1976).
Atkins, a Charles Manson follower, was convicted of slaying seven people and conspiracy to commit one other. Five murders occurred on August 9th, 1969, which included actress Sharon Tate Polanski, who was eight months pregnant. The next day, she helped kill two others.
She was convicted by an LA County jury to death row in 1971, but a 1971 state Supreme Court ruling finding the death penalty cruel and unusual punishment, she was resentenced to life in prison.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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