Top prison official against letting ill Manson follower Susan Atkins die at home

CORONA, Calif. - California's director of adult prisons says she is against releasing former Charles Manson follower Susan Atkins from prison on compassionate grounds.

The decision by Suzan Hubbard contradicts officials at the California Institution for Women.

They have recommend that the 60-year-old Atkins, who suffers from terminal brain cancer, be released to die in the care of her family.

Atkins confessed to killing pregnant actress Sharon Tate during a murderous rampage with other Manson followers in 1969. Atkns had been held at the California prison for decades before being moved to a hospital to treat her cancer.

Hubbard's recommendation is advisory.

The Board of Parole Hearings must decide whether to take up Atkins' case, and her original sentencing court in Los Angeles County would make the final decision.

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