Who is Leslie Van Houten?

Leslie Van Houten

Leslie Van Houten, a Manson family killer, has been released from prison after 53 years. She was a follower of the notorious mass murderer Charles Manson.

Background of Leslie Van Houten:

Leslie Louise Van Houten was born on August 23, 1949. At the age of 14, her parents divorced, and she began experimenting with drugs, including LSD and Benzedrine.

Involvement in Manson Family:

In 1966, Van Houten moved to Northern California, where she met and lived with individuals involved in Manson's gang, including Katherine Share, Bobby Beausoleil, and another woman. They became part of the Manson family, a cult that exerted complete control over their lives.

The Murders and Manson's Influence:

On August 9, 1969, Van Houten, along with Tex Watson, Patricia Krenwinkel, Linda Kasabian, Clem Grogan, and Manson himself, entered the home of Rosemary and Leno LaBianca, where they committed brutal murders. The motive behind these killings has never been clearly stated by Manson, although prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi suggested that he wanted to incite a racial civil war.

Manson's Death and Van Houten's Parole:

Manson died in prison in 2017 at the age of 83, after serving almost 50 years behind bars. Van Houten, on the other hand, faced repeated denials of parole. California Governor Gavin Newsom previously denied her parole, citing concerns about her potential danger to society. However, the Second District Court of Appeals overturned Newsom's decision, stating that there was no evidence to support the governor's conclusion.

Recent Parole Ruling:

In the most recent parole ruling, it was acknowledged that Van Houten has demonstrated extensive rehabilitative efforts, insight, remorse, realistic parole planning, and support from family and friends. She has also received favorable institutional reports and had been granted parole four times consecutively prior to the governor's decision.

Conclusion:

Leslie Van Houten, a former Manson family member, has been released from prison after serving 53 years for her involvement in the LaBianca murders. Despite objections from the governor, the court ruled in favor of her parole, recognizing her rehabilitative efforts and support system.