In 1969, Susan Atkins was a member of the cult headed by Charles Manson. She and several others entered the Sharon Tate mansion one night, and murdered the 8 1/2 month pregnant woman and several others. Atkins was among the most vicious of the killers, showing her victims no mercy.
I am old enough to remember the killings and the trial of the killers. Atkins never showed any remorse for her brutal actions. She always acted like she thoroughly enjoyed the killing and the noteriety of the trial. She even bragged about the killings to jailmates, and laughed about how the knife jiggled in Tate's pregnant belly.
Although she never showed any compassion or remorse, Susan Atkins now wants the state of California to show her some compassion. She has contracted brain cancer and only has about six months to live according to doctors. Her attorney is asking for "compassionate parole".
The request has split the prosecutors who tried the case -- Stephan Kay and Vincent Bugliosi. Kay opposes her release, while Bugliosi supports it. A state panel will meet today to decide the issue.
While I respect Vincent Bugliosi, I cannot agree with him about this case. Maybe I'm becoming mean in my old age, but I think Atkins should die in prison. The state of California should show her the same compassion she showed her victims -- NONE.
UPDATE - Atkins parole was denied.
