Should Brain Cancer Patient And Former Manson Family Member Susan Atkins Be Denied Compassionate Release?
July 16, 2008 by Alicia Sparks, Mental Health Notes
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
When I read about the California Board of Parole’s decision to deny a compassionate release for former Manson family member Susan Atkins who is dying from brain cancer, a myriad of thoughts took over my mind:
Why shouldn’t Atkins be released? I mean, not only has she had a leg amputated and not only is the right side of her body paralyzed, but she’s also only got something like less than six months to live. I just don’t see her being a threat to society…
Well, on the other hand, she did commit a heinous crime by which surviving family members, friends, and the rest of the country are still affected. I guess I can see the message the parole board is trying to make by keeping Atkins incarcerated…
Out of sheer, morbid curiosity, I Googled “Susan Atkins,” and ran across this Web site created and maintained by her legal representation. An hour or so later, I found out that – in addition to receiving several Commendation Chronos and a Laudatory Chrono from staff; several Certificates of Educational Achievement; and her Associate of Arts degree – Susan Atkins has done more volunteer work and helped get more programs off the ground in her 39 years of incarceration than I’ve done in my 26 years of freedom.
Busy lady, this Susan Atkins.
But what stuck out even more, for me, were the psychological reports on Susan Atkins throughout the years. You can read snippets from many of them on the Photographic Biography page of SusanAtkins.org, but below are a few in chronological order to give you an idea. (And I stress just a few because there are many.)
In 1971, “Dr. Fischmann states that Susan ‘does not tend to engage in verbal evasions, games and manipulations, and responds much more directly, frankly and sincerely [than her co-defendants],’” and the “Superintendent states that Susan ‘has not presented any problems…’”
In 1972, “Dr. Boylan stated that ‘Miss Atkins is capable of growing as a worthwhile and responsible person. She is not dangerous to herself or to others nor is she likely to evoke aggressive responses from others,’” “Dr. Roh stated that Susan’s ‘development potential was quite substantial,’” “RGC Counseling Staff records, ‘No evidence of overt disorder of thought or affect… Positive changes in attitude. Development potential is substantial,’” and “Correctional Counselor stated that Susan ‘has been friendly and cooperative’ and that staff have made no adverse reports about her.”
In 1975, the “Superintendent and Classification Committee acknowledges Susan’s deliberate break from ‘family,’” while “Dr. Black records that Susan made an emphatic statement that she does not have anything to do with the ‘family,’ and she wants to document her dissociation with the ‘family’ and their conflicts” and “concludes in his Evaluation for the Parole Board that ‘This woman has shown no tendencies to be a danger to others or to herself since her initial contact with me.’”
In 1992, “Dr. Klebel states that Susan ‘has made substantial progress during her more than 20 years of incarceration.’ He concluded the ‘inmate Atkins has made progress in accepting her part in the perpetration of the crime, in her guilt and remorse about her crimes and in trying to understand what got her into the life style that resulted in the horrendous events of her crimes.’”
Given these reports – especially the one from Dr. Klebel – why, then, did Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley state that Susan Atkins has “failed to demonstrate genuine remorse and understanding of the gravity of her crimes”?
And why have they denied a request for compassionate release, when in 1973, 1976, 1977, 1981, and 1993 the Parole Board “said that maybe there is a glimmer of hope for subject,” “was impressed with Susan’s sincerity and in her endeavor to carry out her new life style, goals,” stated “that Susan will be a good parole risk someday,” acknowledged “gradual improvement over the years since reception in the California Department of Corrections” and that they were “aware of improved psychological reports in this case,” that Susan “should be commended for being disciplinary free since 1982, for [her] work record, for earning vocational certificates, and for [her] improvement in substance abuse programming,” and that “[t]hey find no post-conviction behavior to fault her for”?
I completely understand why the victims’ family members want Atkins to stay incarcerated until she dies. If I were one of the victims’ family members, I honestly don’t know if I’d be willing to stand by and see her released given her health condition, or if I’d be hell bent on seeing her live the remaining few days of her life incarcerated.
But I don’t understand – given the records listed by legal representation – why Cooley thinks she hasn’t shown remorse. I don’t understand why the California Board of Parole is denying compassionate release – now that she’s paralyzed, missing a leg, dying, and clearly no threat to society – when in the past they’ve had glowing things to say about her progress.
(I was even slightly surprised at Governor Schwarzenegger’s firm stance on not granting compassionate release. Schwarzenegger visited Susan Atkins in prison in the 80s and encouraged her to help create the CIW’s Weight Training program – surely he must have seen what kind of improvements the reports claim she made, and surely he must realize someone of her current physical and mental state can’t possibly pose a threat to society?)
In any event, the California Board of Parole’s decision doesn’t seem to be the final word. Eric P. Lampel, one of Susan Atkins’s attorneys, filed a motion with Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge David Wesley and is waiting on a hearing date.
Of course, if Susan Atkins remains incarcerated, her family members will continue to benefit from serious financial relief regarding Atkins’s medical expenses – California tax payers have already footed a bill of more than $1.4 million since March for medical and prison guard costs.
What do you all think? Taking into consideration all the factors – Susan Atkins’s crime, the reports of her growth during incarceration, her illness and physical disabilities, and what both the victims’ family members and her family members must be feeling – do you think a compassionate release is or is not acceptable?
EDIT: Please take note that the reports I’ve quoted were taken from SusanAtkins.org, and were provided to that Web site by legal representation. I have no way of knowing how reliable they are, and have since read other reports (both about Atkins’s behavior in prison and psychological state) that aren’t as favorable.
Image: morgueFile
Johnny, I believe wise comments (that would be Alicia) and controversy (that would be YOU! … smile) make a good debate. But Johnny, please prepare yourself that Susan Atkins will never be released, and if her physician is correct, she doesn’t have much time left to live.
People sympathetic to her plight are far and few between. Susan has a very good advocate in you, and who knows- perhaps her husband has read your comments and shared them with her. (smile)
When I heard about the Chapman situation, I thought about writing a post about specifically about him, too. I may do that.
@ Ebby – I think if Susan had killed someone who wasn’t famous/so well known, and killed that person in a way that wasn’t as…”involved” as the way the Tate murders happened (i.e., if she had just shown up and shot someone and walked away), then yes, she’d probably be out by now. Her sentence was switched to “life with the possibility of parole,” and had her case not been so sensationalized, and not so horrific, she probably would have been given parole at some point. When I went to SusanAtkins.org and read the reports the parole board gave and the psychiatrists/counselors gave (even in the 70s – not very long at all after the murders!), it seemed as if everyone (the parole people, the medical staff, etc.) thought she’d be able to get parole at some point. So, that makes me think even more that if her case had been more of the kind of murder you hear about every day (and not something that would still cause major public outcry this many years later), she’d be free by now.
@ Johnny – I can completely understand the fixation, haha. I get that way about some things. You know, I was thinking, Susan and her family and loved ones would probably really appreciate knowing how much support she has. Have you ever written a letter to any of them?
Hello again! Was offline for a few days there as I was travelling from Iraq back to the UK for a well earned break! But Im back online and ready to cause more controversy!!!
Ebby…Yeh it would be fantastic if family and friends of Susans were to read this debate and see that she has some support. And I gotta say that, yep, I realise she is not getting out and will probably be dead by xmas…its terribly sad and it would be better if she slipped off sooner rather than later for her own benefit.
Alicia…To be honest I’ve tried to find where to send such a letter but have found nothing…
Hiya Johnny, welcome back! I wondered if you might be in route from Iraq to Ireland since we hadn’t heard from you in several days. Glad to know you’re safe.
Ebby thank you very much for that!
Im glad to be back online tho!
Can we swap email or msn?
Johnny, sure!
Ebby, great!
greerzo@hotmail.co.uk
Awe, how lovely it is that this post has helped form a new friendship
Hey Johnny, is there an address at that website her legal representation keeps up? The SusanAtkins.org one? If so, maybe they make sure any letters addressed to Susan and her family make it to her? Glad you had a safe trip!
Alicia…thanks for the comment and I think Ebby and I are just on the same wavelength more so that some of the others. And a lot more than a select few. Ref the address, nah I cant find one at all. Its a bitch really. I even emailed her legal reps but no reply. Im workin on it tho…
I think if I lived in the US a lot of people would be after my blood by now for supporting her so much lol…
I was telling Ebby about receiving “Child of Satan Child of God” thru the post this morning…
Gonna enjoy that…
Has any of our friends read it and give me your views???
Thanks for the goodwill messages from my trip home. Its good to be back for a while and back on this too…
Ebby…i have emailed u this morning reference that other mission u were on haha! God!
Johnny wrote: “Ebby…i have emailed u this morning reference that other mission u were on haha! God!” …. smile. Just trying to help out a friend (and you did ask!) lol
So how are you coming with Child of Satan Child of God? Is it a good read? I remember reading about Susan Atkins in Helter Skelter. I always felt that if any of them were ever paroled, it would be Leslie Van Houten. But after Susan’s compassionate release was denied, I’ve come to believe that none of them will ever be released/paroled now.
Ebby…oh u r 100% right and i agree with the fact that with Susan not getting compassionate then the chances of the others getting out must be slim to zero. A thought they must all have come to terms with themselves since that woeful decision.
Regarding the book, I have only read a chapter so far but its really really good even though its 30 years old. I must keep my eyes peeled for a more recent account if there is one available.
Everyone else…WHERE ARE YOU???
I haven’t read any of the books yet, though my mother read Helter Skelter shortly after it came out and to this day still recommends I read it.
I’ve been pretty quiet on the comment front because I’ve been out of town for the past week with a loved one’s father who suffered a brain stem stroke. I’m randomly in and out of the house right now.
Hi Alicia, sorry to hear about your loved one’s father.
Once you read Helter Skelter, you’ll never forget it. I believe the pages in that book continue to haunt Manson and his followers today. And perhaps rightfully so, I don’t know….
It’s been quiet here – I think Johnny scared everyone away! (grin)
Alicia…sorry to hear about the loved oned father.
Terrible. Hope all is ok really I do…
Helter Skelter? Read it please! It gives u a full view of what happened…her worst moments…
When she didnt mean to do what she did…
Ebs…Haha I think maybe i did! But where r u on personal email???
Susan…hope ur well…
Not scared away, just not posting, still reading though…..
Alicia, I am sorry for the news.
Johnny, what is your fascination with Susan Atkins? Is it just because the topic came up on this thread? Or do you have some genuine fascination with her? The Mansons?
Sparrow, welcome back. Glad to hear you weren’t scared off. (smile)
I’ve asked Johhny the same thing- what is the fascination – almost Obsession really – with Susan Atkins. I’m sure he’ll address your question as he did mine.
SparrowRocks, how can u keep reading the debate and not want to chip in? Thats just weird.
Thats said…welcome back and hope to hear from u more.
Hmm…regarding ur question, I wouldnt say Im obsessed with Susan, no. I just feel sorry for her and feel she should have been out of prison, and while i recognise the damage she did all those years ago i dont think it fair that anyone do 40 years in prison. Come on cant u see that point?
Not meaning to insult u, I just feel all ur comments were shallow to be honest. Boring even. Just like the others who just call for her head.
Ebby, how u keeping?
Johnny, be nice. (smile) At the risk of offending you, you really DO border on obsession with Susan Atkins. Sorry, but IMOHO you do.
Ebby…well ok, I suppose i do show an unusual interest in her…busted!
She just seems like a very nice lady…
Hmmm… I suppose admitting an “unusual interest” is sort of an acknowledgment of borderline obsession. (smile)
“She just seems like a very nice lady…” Hmmm. I’m not certain about the extent of her
“niceness” (passages of Helter Skelter are difficult to erase) but I do believe she shows rehabilitation, and at the very least may have been deserving of compassionate release. So I’ll give you that. (smile)
Ebs…Ur last piece makes quite a lot of sense.
However, lots of people quote from Helter Skelter. This is all well and good but again its my old arguement of “It was 40 years ago…”
But obviously i see where ur coming from…
Good to get ur email too…
@ Everyone – Thanks for your “sorries.” I appreciate them.
Unfortunately, his father passed away this weekend. It’s been tough.
And, while we were at the hospital in one conversation with another family member, we found out that someone close to that family member has brain cancer, AND is incarcerated. I talked to him about compassionate release and told him about this case (with Susan Atkins).
@Alicia, my condolences. Any word on how Susan Atkins is doing? I would think she’s probably in a really bad way.
SparrowRocks…u very nearly make that sound like u care!
@ Sparrow – Thanks. As far as word on Susan Atkins, I haven’t been able to find anything new. I suspect that any new news won’t hit the media full blast until the verdict from the appeal is given, but I may be wrong.
Hey- what happened? Where did everyone go?
Haha, I’m not sure Lass. I expect it’ll be charged up again once there’s some new news about Susan.
Lass, Alicia…Im hoping a bit of news will spark life back into the debate too. Both in the UK where i live and in Iraq where i work, i hear nothing of her condition. Is it similar there in the US? It baffles me!
It does seem to be similar here in America. Every time I search for something new, the articles that come up are always dated June or July (so, old stuff).
There is much more to early release of a
prisoner than rehabilitation. Would the
release positively or negatively affect the
community? People were outraged at the idea
of her release–obviously it would have been a
negative impact on the community.
Mass murderers are seldom welcomed in the
community, and Ms Atkins qualifies as a mass
murderer.
@ Lee – Thanks for chiming in.
The thing about Susan Atkins’s case is this: It wouldn’t be an “early release.” She’s been in prison for almost 40 years, and as her sentence was switched from the death penalty to “life with the possibility of parole,” there was no set time for her to remain in prison. So, even if she’d only been in for a year, it still wouldn’t actually be an “early release.” Too, because California overturned its death penalty law and gave Susan life with the possibility of parole, she’s perfectly within her rights to try for that parole.
However, I do believe you are exactly right as far as the community is concerned. If Susan were going to reenter society as someone who wanted to get a house, a job, drive around, socialize, etc., it would be…a tough reentry, to say the least. However, as it is, I think all she wants to do (and is physically able to do) is kind of piddle around her relatives’ (and spouse’s) homes until she passes.
She can stay where she is. She can suffer in jail to the end. All of you that sympathize with that creature, I wish I could send you all back to 1969 and put you in the skin of the victims family members. I bet you would have a different opinion today. They lost THEIR LIVES because she decided they would die. She is dying because it is her time and no one robbed her of her right to live, but herself.
Susan Atkins does NOT deserve compassionate release, she never showed any compassion for her victims,,precisely Sharon Tate and her unborn baby, in Atkins chilling confession,,her words here:”I feel no mercy for you or your baby bitch”, and brutally stabbed her and baby,,,
Wow. I am so thankful that I’ve evolved and am no longer the same person I was nearly 40 years ago! I’m equally thankful that I don’t have people constantly repeating the horrible things I’m sure I said (even did) years ago, before I changed and became the woman I am today.
Not that it would change what she said and did- tragically, nothing ever could- but I’m wondering… if I can change, is it even remotely
“possible” that Susan Atkins could as well?
I think they should grant her a passionate release. I’ve been following the news about her since 1979 when I read her book ‘Child of Satan, Child of God’. The testimony of her life, tragedy, crime, and total transformation was instrumental in influencing me to change my own life and give it to God. If they would release her, she could go ‘home’ to die. As it stands now, the taxpayers are still paying for her hospital. That’s a point that should be addressed. She’s been paying the penalty for her crime for almost 40 years. She has to wake up every day knowing she participated in a horrible crime. I believe she is totally rehabilitated…why not release her?
Ebby…good post and well worded. You and I know we are all capable of change. Yes, even Susan. She proved this over the last 40 years.
Hope to see u online soon too…
Annette…well well well. Finally, someone other than Ebby and myself with a bit of genuine compassion and understanding that maybe, just maybe, even Susan Atkins deserves to be released!
I read down ur post and at first I thought it was just the same old reason to release her ie saving the good ole US of A some money…but then u went on to say that in ur opinion she has paid the price for her awful mistake over the last 40 years. You’re a new ray of light and hopefully comments like yours can spark some life back into this debate again…
Susan…hope for a pain-free day…
Annette, your belief that Susan Atkins is rehabilitated- and at the very least, deserving of a compassionate release- very much places you in the minority. (smile)
I suppose it goes back to the whole rehabilitation/punishment thing. If she is in prison solely to be punished for murder, then certainly she should be kept there. However, if she was sentenced to prison for rehabilitation, in addition to being punished, and she has been rehabilitated – then she deserves a real shot at parole.
Personally, I don’t believe that will ever happen for any of the Manson followers. Oh sure, they will continue to be permitted to go before the board, but no one on the panel will want to be known as “the person who voted to parole Susan Atkins, Leslie Van Houten” etc. The case is too controversial- too political. You know?
Annette, you also stated that the testimony of Susan’s life, tragedy, crime, and total transformation was instrumental in influencing you to change your own life and give it to God. Wow. That is quite a testimony. Thank you for sharing it. At least some good came from such tragedy.
Johnny, when I read Annette’s comments I knew you’d be happy. (smile) Hope all is still well for you in Iraq.
Alicia, thank you for your support of Susan. This is what she needs. I hear you, I share your opinions. What does it matter anymore. The prison system should not be used for revengeful purposes, but to keep the convicted off the streets, even if for a amount of time. Have you writen her or the parol board, in support of her release? I hear her next parol is dated for 2009.
@ Ebby and Johnny – Always good to hear from the two of you.
@ Annette – Welcome to the minority, haha.
@ Sly and My View – It seems as if the Manson-related murders affected you in such a way that you’re unable to set aside the horrific crimes long enough to really dive into the things that go on “behind the scenes” and lead to such behavior, as well as take a long, hard look at the possibility of rehabilitation and the “rights” the judicial system gave Susan when it offered her the possibility of parole. Her crime was horrible, there is no denying that. But, when it comes to any crime, there is often an less “in-your-face” motivator (mental health issues, poverty, etc.), and when it comes to incarceration, there has to be some consistency – punishment or rehabilitation. I don’t think the US judicial system (or prison system) has effectively found that consistency.
@ Gabriela – Thanks for chiming in. I haven’t written to her or her parole board, but that’s a good idea. To tell the truth, until all this compassionate release news hit the air (and Internet!) waves back in July, the “Manson Family” was just something I thought about when I heard my parents “remember” it – and when I heard the Beatles’ “Helter Skelter.”
Hi Alicia! Good to read your always-insightful comments. I still say when I grow up (never mind that I’m old enough to be your Mom!) I want to have a brain just like yours! (smile)
I haven’t heard from our Johnny in awhile. I hope all is OK with him in Iraq.
I doubt she will be around for the next parole hearing. And besides, if they didn’t give her compassionate release NOW, why would they parole her in 2009? It’s pretty clear that for her, life means life.
She may be rehabilitated and may be a changed woman, but that doesn’t mean she deserves to get out of prison.
After all, her victims are stuck in their prison too, the grave.
Sparrow: If life means life, then chance of parole should not be offered. When parole is offered, however, it should be seriously considered- and not just a sham. If she is rehabilitated and a changed woman- then from a legal standpoint, life should not automatically mean life. If so, what chance does anyone have of ever getting paroled?
Dare to step outside your narrow-thinking, Sparrow, and attempt to see a different view.
Ebby, that is what I was thinking too. Why is there such a thing as life sentence with possibility of parol when they are not willing to grant parol even if the convicted person meets the qualifications for parol and release of prison. She is the ideal prison inmate. She was willing to be rehabilitated. Never contested. What more do they want. This makes no sense.
Ok the gravity of what she did. Many years ago. Please. But what about what she also did, in turn, and try to make it up to the community through service. All of this tell that she is worthy of parol.
@ Sparrow – Given her health, she probably won’t be around for the next one.
@ Ebby – Aw, thanks
And you and Gabriela are right. As I understand it, there are two kinds of life sentences (that aren’t related to the actual death penalty), and those are “life WITH the possibility of parole” and “life WITHOUT the possibility of parole.” What I can’t understand is why California didn’t just go ahead and give her “life without” back in the 70s if (as it seems pretty clear) they have no intention of granting her parole – even on her deathbed. I certainly don’t think the public back then would have objected to “life without,” so I doubt that part of it was for political reasons (back then), even though her parole denials now probably are.
I do hope Johnny’s okay.
I was under the impression Susan Atkins was given only months to live back in 2002. Im surprised to read she is still alive. Regarding the debate over release…she has no quality of life anymore and has been punished for her crime.Releasing her will lift the burden off taxpayers and whether or not she is remorseful at this late stage is not relevant as she poses no risk to society.I agree with a previous post that is most likely political.
I am pleased that Ms Atkins did not receive
early release. I do not believe that she
earned a parole. Of course, I don’t see how
any mass murderer can earn parole. Mass
murder of Ms Atkins’ type is so coldly
impersonal. Those four would have killed
anyone who just happened to be there.
For pleasure. Sick and so sad.
As for her medical costs, I cannot see how
California taxpayers would not be paying it
whether through the jail system or the public health system.
Lee, you said you don’t believe that she earned a parole. What do you believe then would earn someone a parole?
If Ms. Atkins had been put to death as the original sentence stated, this would all be a moot point. Instead, her death sentence was commuted to serving the rest of her life in prison. I say well-deserved for her heinous crime. There is no earning a parole. That option wasn’t given upon her death sentence. Ms. Atkins certainly wasn’t sympathetic to Sharon Tate and her child when she stabbed them to death. Ms. Atkins’ punishment for her crime is for the rest of her life.
Beth, point taken- except that she wasn’t put to death. AND her death sentence was commuted to serving the rest of her life in prison WITH the possibility of parole. And that, does indeed, allow her to “earn” the possibility of parole- whether we think it fair, like it, or not. It’s just the way it is.
Alicia, we seem to be going round the same old track with all this. And frankly, I’m tired and think it’s time I jump track. (smile) Johnny was the one who got me involved in all this. His compassion is contagious! I admire that about him. I get emails from him from time to time – he’s fine and is still in Iraq. Take care.
Hey everyone. I left this debate a while back but on reading a few of the more recent comments I decided to fan a few flames…
Ebby…good to see u commenting again. Specially since you took the time out to comment on that silly woman Beth’s effort. By that I mean, in her comment we read the same junk that 99% of the reprobates leave here. You know the drill… Kill her! Let her die in jail! She had no mercy for Sharon Tate! Blah blah blah! None of us have ever glorified what she took part in. None of us ever said it was right. But no-one apart from you, me and a select few have ever considered that she HAS changed in the FORTY ODD YEARS since that night! Like u once quoted ages ago, they are all putting themselves in the same boat as she was in by showing no mercy towards her now. A few people need to get with the picture is all Im sayin…
However Ebby…I will always be grateful to this debate for helping us become friends.
I still have the same views as I did from the start. She should have been freed YEARS ago. She murdered. She served her time. More than served her time infact. Its way too late for anyone to make a name for themselves and let her out now but I pray for her every single day in life so that she suffers as little as possible and passes away peacefully when it is her time…