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​In Memory of Susan Denise Atkins-Whitehouse

All Became Friends

During the time of 
Susan's compassionate release hearing in 2009,
a woman who had met Susan in the 1980's
was interviewed by a
​ local television news station.

The woman had a foster son.
(The woman is seen and named on screen.
To protect her privacy,
we refer to her as "foster mom").

When the reporter speaks,
it's a voice over the film clip addressing the viewers,
as he talks about his interview with the foster mom.​

Here are excerpts from the interview;

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Foster Mom: "...I think that she is very sick.
I don't believe she's a danger to society.
​I think she's too ill to be a danger to society..."
​
Reporter: "...(The foster mom) met Atkins just by chance
in the mid 1980's at the women's State prison
near Corona during visiting hours.
(The foster mom), her 2 sons, and her foster son,
would pay weekly visits to the foster son's real mom,
also a convicted murderer.
They all became friends.."

Foster Mom: "...Susan would play board games,
they'd play Yhatzee, 
sometimes they would play, playing cards,
she seemed like a very, very nice woman.
She talked very appropriately to the boys,
seemed to, just a very, very nice demeanor.
​She's a very, very pretty girl..."

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Reporter: "(The foster mom) says she didn't even know
who Atkins was for 6 months..."

Foster Mom: (aghast) "And I..., I said
you have GOT to be kidding.
I'm letting my children,
​ play Yhatzee,
with Susan Atkins,
of the Manson family!
I just....., I was taken (a)back"

Reporter: "(The foster mom) says Atkins
committed a horrible crime 40 years ago,
but she believes Atkins is rehabilitated by now.

(The foster mom) thinks the State parole board
​should show compassion..."

Provided for informational purpose.

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