With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Ailing Manson Family's Susan Atkins Up for Parole Today
Atkins' 1977 autobiography describes her shift to Christianity
()
Could the 18th time be a charm for Susan Atkins? The San Gabriel-born 61-year-old woman who was "convicted of killing actress Sharon Tate and seven others four decades ago," is up for parole one more time today, according to abc7.com, in a hearing postponed from May 28th.Atkins, who was not expected to live this long after being diagnosed with brain cancer, was denied "compassionate release" last summer; the onetime Manson Family member now devotes herself to Christianity, although she remains deeply afflicted by her terminal illness. A post on the site set up by her second husband and lawyer, James W. Whitehouse makes the case for her release:
Though Susan has the longest and most impressive prison record in California history, documented as helping to save several lives in just the first couple years she was in prison, never associated with drugs or violence in the nearly 40 years she has been incarcerated, has participated in nearly every conceivable community betterment program offered in the last 4 decades, and is now paralyzed over 85% of her body, can not sit up in bed, and can not even be moved into a wheelchair, there is still a very real chance the Parole Board will none the less insist her release would be a danger to society. This makes a farce our of our justice system, where the State only follows the law when it wants to.
Atkins, who was initially sentenced to death but found her sentence "commuted to life in prison after the U.S. Supreme Court declared the death penalty unconstitutional in 1972," calls the Central California Women's Facility in Chowchilla home.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
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.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist