AFP: Releasing Manson killer would be 'affront': prosecutor
Releasing Manson killer would be 'affront': prosecutor
LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Releasing from prison a dying member of the murderous Charles Manson family would be an "affront" to justice and families of the slain victims, Los Angeles' top prosecutor said Monday.
Los Angeles Country District Attorney Steve Cooley said in a letter to the chairman of the California Board of Parole Hearings that Susan Atkins, 60, convicted of eight murders should not be granted compassionate release.
Atkins was found guilty of taking part in the brutal murders of actress Sharon Tate -- heavily pregnant with film-maker Roman Polanski's child -- and six other people during the Manson followers' deranged 1969 killing spree.
Atkins, who is reportedly dying from brain cancer, is to have her request for release heard in Sacramento on Tuesday. Her bid for freedom already has been approved by the prison where she is being held.
However Cooley said in a letter to parole board chairman James Davis on Monday that Atkins -- who admitted slitting Tate's throat even as she begged her to let her unborn baby live -- should die in prison.
"To grant (Atkins') release would be an affront to the people of this state, the California criminal justice system and the next of kin of many murder victims," Cooley said in "strongly" opposing her release.
"Her horrific crimes alone warrant a denial of her request," the district attorney wrote.
Manson, Atkins and others of his followers were initially given the death penalty for the murders but the sentences were commuted to life in prison after the US Supreme Court established new requirements for capital cases.
Cooley said that Atkins can receive "appropriate, dignified and compassionate medical care" within the California prison system.
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