Susan Denise Atkins was an American convicted murderer who was a member of Charles Manson’s “Family”. She was known within the Manson family as Sadie Mae Glutz or Sexy Sadie.
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Atkins was convicted for her participation in eight of these killings, including the most notorious, the Tate murders in 1969. She was sentenced to death, which was subsequently commuted to life imprisonment when the California Supreme Court invalidated all death sentences issued prior to 1972.
Atkins was born in San Gabriel, California, in 1948. She had a troubled childhood, and was sexually abused by her stepfather. She dropped out of high school and became a prostitute. In 1967, she met Charles Manson and joined his “Family”.
In August 1969, Atkins and other members of the Family murdered five people at the home of Sharon Tate, the wife of film director Roman Polanski. Atkins wrote “Pig” in blood on the front door of the house. The next day, Atkins and other members of the Family murdered Leno and Rosemary LaBianca.
Atkins was arrested in November 1969, and she confessed to her involvement in the murders. She was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Her sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment.
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What are some quotes from Susan Atkins?
- “I wanted to be a part of something that was going to change the world.”
- “I was willing to do anything for Charlie [Charles Manson].”
- “I didn’t have a conscience. I didn’t have any morals.”
- “I was brainwashed. I was under Charlie’s control.”
- “I take full responsibility for my actions.”
- “I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering I caused.”
- “I wish I could go back and change everything.”
- “I was a lost soul looking for something to believe in.”
- “I was manipulated and used by Manson.”
- “I have found religion and have turned my life around.”
What was the testimony of Susan Atkins?
Susan Atkins testified in both the preliminary hearing and the trial of Charles Manson and his co-defendants. Her testimony was extremely lurid, and provides remarkable details concerning the Tate murders.
Atkins told the grand jury that she stabbed Voytek Frykowski in the legs and held Sharon Tate down while Tex Watson stabbed her. She also testified that Tate had pleaded for her life and that of her unborn child. In response, Atkins replied, “Woman, I have no mercy for you.” She told the grand jury that her words were intended to reassure herself, and not addressed to Tate.
Atkins also testified that she wrote “PIG” in blood on the front door of the Tate residence. She said that she did this because she was angry at Tate’s husband, Roman Polanski, for making a movie about the Manson Family.
Atkins’ testimony was crucial to the prosecution’s case. It provided direct evidence that she and the other defendants were involved in the Tate murders. Without her testimony, it is likely that the defendants would have been acquitted.
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