Susan Denise Atkins was an American criminal and member of the ‘Manson Family.’ Led by Charles Manson, the members of the ‘Manson Family’ committed a series of murders in the summer of 1969. Atkins had a troubled childhood as both her parents were alcoholics. She lost her mother to cancer when she was 15 years old. She dropped out of high school to support herself when her father abandoned her and her brothers. She took up odd jobs before committing armed robberies along with two escaped convicts whom she met at a local coffee shop. After serving 90 days in jail, she became a topless dancer. She later quit her job and joined Charles Manson’s group. Manson was an American criminal, cult leader, and musician who formed the ‘Manson Family.’ He had a profound effect on Atkins. A series of nine murders were committed by Manson’s followers in California. Atkins was convicted for her association in eight of these murders, including the ‘Tate murders’ that gained international attention. Atkins received death sentence which was commuted to life imprisonment. She spent almost 40 years in prison which made her the longest-serving female inmate in California at the time.