Leslie Van Houten

 

Leslie Van Houten

Former Manson family member Leslie Van Houten released from California prison, official says

 
Leslie Van Houten, a former adherent of Charles Manson and a convicted murderer, has been released from a correctional facility in California, according to an official statement. Van Houten, who is now in her seventies, was granted parole under supervision after serving concurrent sentences of seven years to life for her involvement in the murders of Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary, at their Los Angeles residence. Governor Gavin Newsom's office decided not to contest a court ruling allowing parole for Van Houten, despite the objection of the family of one of the victims. While some believe her release sets a concerning precedent, Van Houten's attorney asserts that she has taken responsibility for her actions and has undergone extensive psychological evaluation during her four decades of incarceration. After more than five decades in custody, Van Houten will participate in a transitional housing program and pursue employment that aligns with her humanities degrees earned while in prison. Currently, she is adjusting to life outside the confines of prison, a significant change after all these years. It is worth noting that Van Houten's death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment when California abolished capital punishment, and she has been eligible for parole since 1977, with numerous reversals of recommended release by the governors of the state.

Leslie Van Houten, a former member of the Manson family and a convicted murderer, has been released from a prison in California, according to an official statement. Van Houten, who was involved in the notorious cult led by Charles Manson, has now been placed under parole supervision following her release. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation spokesperson, Mary Xjimenez, stated that Van Houten's parole term will last a maximum of three years, with a review scheduled after one year. At the age of 19, Van Houten became associated with Manson and joined the cult that would later be known as the "Manson family." She had been serving concurrent sentences of seven years to life after being convicted in 1971 for her participation in the murders of Leno LaBianca, a supermarket executive, and his wife Rosemary at their residence in Los Angeles. The office of California Governor Gavin Newsom decided not to contest a May ruling by a state appellate court that opened the possibility of parole for Van Houten, thus clearing the way for her release.