Ex-Manson Follower Atkins Is Denied Parole, Says She Lied About Murders

Charles Manson follower Susan Atkins on Wednesday was refused parole after an emotional hearing in which she claimed she didn’t kill Sharon Tate or anyone else.

Atkins, however, said she took responsibility for the notorious Tate-LaBianca murders and wished she could bring the victims back to life.

The chairman of the parole board panel announced the rejection of her bid for freedom after a four-hour hearing that concluded with a tearful plea from Tate’s sister.

“This was such an evil, evil thing,” said Patti Tate, who was 11 at the time of the killings. She conceded Atkins, 44, may be rehabilitated, but added: “I don’t see how people can accept her on the outside. I’m not ready for a murderess like this to live next door to me.”

Parole board Chairman Manuel Guaderrama said Atkins had done commendable work in prison but because of the heinous nature of the crimes must remain behind bars.

After the hearing, Atkins said in an interview she still holds out hope that she will one day be free.

“In terms of Christian values, there should be room for forgiveness for me,” she said. “I believe . . . that one day I will be given a second chance.”

Atkins is serving a life sentence on eight murder convictions--the seven Tate-LaBianca murders and the killing of musician Gary Hinman shortly before those crimes.

Tate, the pregnant actress-wife of director Roman Polanski, and four others in a Benedict Canyon house were fatally stabbed and shot Aug. 9 1969. The following night, wealthy grocers Leno and Rosemary LaBianca were stabbed to death in their home.

Manson was convicted of ordering his hippie followers to commit the murders. Authorities said he was attempting to trigger a race war he thought was foretold in the Beatles’ song “Helter Skelter.”