Susan Atkins gets new parole hearing

SACRAMENTO, June 5 (UPI) -- Former Manson family member Susan Atkins, who has spent 38 years in a California prison, may be released before she dies of cancer.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced Thursday Atkins has another parole hearing Sept. 2. She has already been turned down for "compassionate release."

Atkins, 61, was convicted and sentenced to death for her part in a series of killings in 1969. The victims included Sharon Tate, an actress and the pregnant wife of director Roman Polanski.

The death sentence was automatically commuted to life in prison after a court decision on the death penalty.

Atkins was diagnosed with brain cancer and has had one leg amputated. Her doctors say her life expectancy is six months or less.