Leslie Van Houten, an ex-follower of Charles Manson who participated in his 1969 killing spree which claimed Leno LaBianca and Rosemary LaBianca as victims, has recently been released after 53 years behind bars, according to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on Tuesday. It appears she may now embark on a new chapter of life. This marks her transition into adulthood.
New Beginnings for Van Houten
Van Houten has been transferred to a transitional living facility following her release. Her attorney reports that she is currently considering employment options and plans to reconnect with family and friends. According to California parole board regulations, a maximum three year parole supervision has been approved with reviews every one year to assess compliance with parole conditions.
Gavin Newsom’s Decision
California Governor Gavin Newsom had challenged Van Houten’s parole grant three times previously but decided against doing so this time around. While Newsom’s Communications Director Erin Mellon expressed disappointment with this decision, she acknowledged its low likelihood of succeeding on appeal to the California Supreme Court.
The Manson Family Murders
Van Houten did not take part in the Manson family murder of actress Sharon Tate and four others that occurred the evening prior to LaBianca murders, ordered by Charles Manson himself but carried out by followers under his instructions. Manson passed away in prison in 2017.
Van Houten in Media
Van Houten’s involvement in the Manson Family and subsequent imprisonment have long been subjects of public discourse and speculation, inspiring film and TV adaptations depicting her crimes as “spitting images”. She often appears depicted as such.
The Role of Tex Watson
Charles “Tex” Watson remains one of the key members of the Manson Family and remains controversial today. Although its exact date of separation from their ranks remains unknown, Charles remains linked with any crimes perpetrated by their group.
Van Houten’s Personal Life
In 1982, while incarcerated, Van Houten married fellow inmate William Syvin. However, two months later the couple divorced for unknown reasons and remain unknown about.
Leslie Van Houten Brief History
Leslie Louise Van Houten was best-known as a member of the Manson Family during its period. As 19-year-old Leslie participated in the murders of LaBiancas; though originally sentenced to death by California courts in 1972; eventually her sentence was commuted to life imprisonment following court decisions against this form of punishment.
Trials and Sentencing
Van Houten had her original conviction overturned, leading to a retrial which concluded with no verdict and mistrial in 1974; at her third trial held three years later she was found guilty on two charges of murder and one conspiracy count; she received seven-to-life in prison as punishment.
Release and Parole
After numerous failed parole applications and reversals, Van Houten was finally granted parole and released from incarceration on July 11, 2023, ending her 53 year incarceration. Her release marks an important turning point as she embarks upon her journey of reintegrating back into society under parole supervision.
