Their sentences were automatically commuted to life in prison when the Supreme Court struck down the nation 's death penalty laws in 1972 . Susan Atkins held Sharon Tate down and stabbed the pregnant actress 16 times . Hide Caption 8 of 21 Photos:Photos: Suspected killer in custody Suspect in custody – The panel set another hearing for Atkins in three years .
Susan Atkins held Sharon Tate down and stabbed the pregnant actress 16 times . Hide Caption 8 of 21 Photos:Photos: Suspected killer in custody Suspect in custody – The panel set another hearing for Atkins in three years .