Charles Manson follower Susan Atkins dies at 61
Susan Atkins, who committed one of modern history's most notorious crimes when she joined Charles Manson and his gang for a 1969 killing spree that terrorized Los Angeles and put her in prison for the rest of her life, has died. She was 61.
Atkins died at the Central California Women's facility in Chowchilla on Thursday night, said Terry Thornton, spokeswoman for the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Atkins, who had been receiving medical care at the prison's nursing facility over the past year, died of natural causes, Thornton said. Sources told The Times she had been battling brain cancer. She was pronounced dead at 11:46 p.m.
She had been in hospice care in recent days.
Atkins was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2008 as she neared her fourth decade of incarceration at the California Institute for Women in Corona. The cancer caused paralysis and the loss of one leg.
Convicted of eight murders, Atkins served 38 years of a life sentence, which made her the longest-serving prisoner among women currently held in the state's penitentiaries, said Thornton. That distinction now falls to Patrcia Krenwinkle, who was convicted along with Atkins for the Tate-LaBianca murders.
Atkins, who had been receiving medical care at the prison's nursing facility over the past year, died of natural causes, Thornton said. Sources told The Times she had been battling brain cancer. She was pronounced dead at 11:46 p.m.
She had been in hospice care in recent days.
Atkins was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2008 as she neared her fourth decade of incarceration at the California Institute for Women in Corona. The cancer caused paralysis and the loss of one leg.
Convicted of eight murders, Atkins served 38 years of a life sentence, which made her the longest-serving prisoner among women currently held in the state's penitentiaries, said Thornton. That distinction now falls to Patrcia Krenwinkle, who was convicted along with Atkins for the Tate-LaBianca murders.
Add your comment
Categories
Newsletter
Get each new article from
New York
Your email:
Latest
Mets edge Pirates in Dickey's 11-strikeout gameNew York Seizes Control of Horse-Racing BoardNew York City to get first major natgas line in 40 yearsNew York Taxi Drivers Unsure They Will See Benefits of a Fare HikeNew York Tops London With A Million Dollar Parking SpaceAmerican Idol: Will Jessica Sanchez's Bad Original Song Cost Her The Title?Egyptians to vote in historic presidential electionNorth Korea says it will 'expand' nuclear program in face of U.S. 'hostility'Iran's Ahmadinejad to visit China to discuss nuclear issueRomney adds to delegate lead with win in Kentucky
Tags
Popular
Paralyzed woman moves robotic arm with her thoughtsNew York cops bust 45 in 'Supreme Team' drug crackdownRomney Camp Tries to Limit Reporters' Access, and Rope Line Ruckus EruptsNew York Tattoo Convention lands at Roseland Ballroom with up to 200 artistsREVEALED: A look inside Britain's most exclusive apartment block as £65m flat at One Hyde Park goes up for saleSenators take aim at Facebook co-founder, who will skip taxes by renouncing citizenshipNew York City Plans to Offer Buyouts to Idled TeachersBeastie Boys' Adam Yauch Honored by New York Senate$90M midtown penthouse tops mark for priciest New York City apartmentJudge Clears Stop-Frisk Class Action
Comments
New York, NY |










