Susan Atkins | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 07, 2025

Who is Susan Atkins?

Susan Atkins was a notorious figure in American criminal history, known as a member of Charles Manson’s ‘Family.’ Born on May 7, 1948, in San Gabriel, California, she had a troubled upbringing marked by her parents' alcoholism and her mother’s early death. Dropping out of high school to support herself, Atkins moved to San Francisco where she would eventually encounter Manson and become heavily involved in his controversial lifestyle. It was during this tumultuous period that she adopted the nickname "Sadie Mae Glutz", a name Manson himself gave her.

Atkins became a prominent member of Manson’s inner circle and was deeply involved in the group’s grim activities. On August 8, 1969, under Manson's direction, Atkins participated in the brutal murder of actress Sharon Tate and four others at Tate's home. This event shocked the nation and led to her capture alongside other Manson Family members in October of that year. Ultimately, she was convicted of murder and sentenced to death, which was later commuted to life imprisonment when California abolished the death penalty in 1972. Susan Atkins’ life story is one intertwined with infamy, violence, and the complexities surrounding societal and familial breakdowns.

Early Life and Education

Susan Denise Atkins was born on May 7, 1948, in San Gabriel, California, into a tumultuous family environment marked by her parents' struggle with alcoholism. As the second of three children, her upbringing was far from stable. When she was just 15 years old, her life took a dramatic turn with the death of her mother, followed by her father's abandonment of the family. The loss of her parents profoundly impacted Atkins, leading her to drop out of high school to support herself. The challenges she faced during her formative years shaped her subsequent decisions and her search for belonging.

Determined to forge her path, Susan moved to San Francisco in pursuit of independence. This move marked a significant shift in her life, as she was eager to escape her troubled childhood. During her time in the city, she went through a series of relationships and struggles typical of many youths during the 1960s counterculture movement. This period of searching for identity and connection eventually led her to encounter Charles Manson in early 1967, a meeting that would dramatically alter the course of her life and ultimately lead her into the infamous Manson Family.

The Manson "Family" and Criminal Activities

Susan Atkins became entangled with the Manson Family in the late 1960s after meeting Charles Manson. Initially drawn by his charismatic and manipulative personality, Atkins moved into the Manson Family's Southern California ranch, fully immersing herself in their countercultural lifestyle. By July 1969, she had become a trusted member of Manson's inner circle, participating in various criminal activities. Manson's delusional obsession with triggering a race war influenced their actions, leading to violent and horrific crimes, including murder.

Atkins played a pivotal role in the infamous murders on August 8, 1969, when Manson orchestrated the brutal killings at the home of director Roman Polanski and actress Sharon Tate. Atkins, along with her fellow family members, invaded the residence, which culminated in the deaths of Tate and four others. During the attack, Atkins later claimed to have held Tate down while another family member inflicted fatal wounds. This incident marked a turning point, propelling Atkins and her associates into the spotlight as the media frenzy around the Manson Family intensified, turning their gruesome actions into a national scandal.

Conviction and Death

Susan Atkins was ultimately brought to justice for her role in the infamous Manson Family murders. In October 1969, law enforcement apprehended members of the Manson Family, marking the beginning of a highly publicized trial that captivated the nation. During these proceedings, Atkins and her co-defendants exhibited bizarre behaviors that added a sensational aspect to the trials, drawing considerable media attention. On March 29, 1971, Atkins was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy and was sentenced to death along with other members of the Manson Family.

However, California's 1972 decision to indefinitely abolish the death penalty transformed Atkins's sentence to life imprisonment. As one of the longest-serving female inmates in California, she spent nearly four decades behind bars. Despite the horrific nature of her crimes, Atkins expressed remorse in her later years, attempting to distance herself from her violent past. She passed away on September 24, 2009, at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla, leaving behind a controversial legacy shaped by one of America’s most notorious criminal cases.

Legacy and Impact

Susan Atkins remains a notorious figure in American criminal history, primarily due to her involvement in the Charles Manson Family and the brutal murders of actress Sharon Tate and her guests. The events surrounding these murders shocked the nation, leading to widespread media frenzy and public outrage. Atkins's actions not only contributed to the rise of the Manson Family's infamy but also highlighted the dark undercurrents of the 1960s counterculture movement. Her case sparked debates on mental health, the influence of charismatic leaders, and the societal conditions that can lead individuals to commit heinous acts.

Atkins's legacy also includes her lengthy imprisonment, during which she became a symbol of redemption for some and a cautionary tale for others. Over her decades in prison, Atkins underwent a significant personal transformation, ultimately expressing remorse for her past actions. She actively engaged in reform efforts and became involved in various outreach programs. Her story serves as a complex narrative of guilt, redemption, and the struggle for personal atonement, raising questions about the capacity for change and forgiveness even in the wake of unimaginable violence.

Personal Life: Children and Relationships

Susan Atkins had a tumultuous personal life characterized by upheaval and complexity. Born in San Gabriel, California, she faced significant adversity during her childhood, with her mother succumbing to alcoholism and her father abandoning the family. This tumult led Atkins to seek independence at a young age, leaving high school and moving to San Francisco. During this time, she became involved with the counterculture movement, which ultimately connected her with Charles Manson and the infamous Manson Family. It was within this unconventional group that she gave birth to a son named Zezozose Zadfrack Glutz, a name bestowed by Manson himself.

Atkins' relationships within the Manson Family were deeply intertwined with her life choices. She was often referred to by her moniker "Sadie Mae Glutz," reflecting the persona she adopted during her time with Manson. Her bond with Manson was rooted in a shared ideology that veered into dangerous territories, culminating in a series of tragic events, including her role in the Tate-LaBianca murders. After her arrest and subsequent conviction, Atkins' life continued to be overshadowed by her past actions. Despite her criminal background, she later attempted to find redemption and often spoke about her desire to change, focusing on her relationship with her son, whom she had little contact with during her imprisonment.

Net Worth and Earning: Earnings during imprisonment

Susan Atkins, known for her involvement with the Manson Family and the infamous Sharon Tate murders, faced a life sentence after her conviction. Throughout her time in prison, Atkins engaged in various activities that provided her with some limited means of earning. She participated in the prison labor program, which allowed inmates to work in jobs such as laundry and kitchen duties. These positions typically paid a small wage, often less than a dollar an hour, contributing to her meager earnings during her lengthy incarceration.

Additionally, Atkins expressed her interest in writing and art while imprisoned, which further provided her with an outlet for both creativity and potential income. She authored letters and articles that gained media attention, and her notoriety sometimes led to offers for interviews and publication deals. However, the income from these activities remained minimal compared to typical earnings in the free world. Ultimately, her life in prison was marked more by the consequences of her past actions than by financial gain, as she struggled with the lasting impact of her crimes and the limitations imposed by her imprisonment.