Terminally ill Manson follower asking Calif. parole board to set her free before death

Manson follower dying from cancer seeks parole

CHOWCHILLA, Calif. — A terminally ill Charles Manson follower who admitted killing actress Sharon Tate four decades ago is going before a parole board to ask for freedom before she dies.

Susan Atkins had been expected to die of brain cancer over a year ago but the 61-year-old woman continues to cling to life.

Atkins was denied compassionate release in July 2008, shortly after she was diagnosed and given only months to live.

Wednesday’s hearing is her regular parole hearing as a life prisoner. She was convicted of the seven Tate-LaBianca murders.

Her husband-lawyer says she is getting weaker every day but wanted to appear before the parole board even if she has to be brought in on a gurney. Families of the victims are expected to argue against her release.