Who is Leslie Van Houten? Know about the Manson family member who may be freed after 1969 murders

Leslie Van Houten, who was found guilty of participating in two murders during the infamous 1969 killing spree orchestrated by cult leader Charles Manson, will be granted parole in the coming weeks, according to het attorney. The spokesperson for California Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that he would not contest Van Houten's release. Now 73 years old, Van Houten has served over 50 years in prison for her involvement in two stabbing deaths at Manson's command in 1969.

During the months of July and August in 1969, the Manson cult perpetrated a series of horrifying and brutal killings, instilling fear and terror throughout the Los Angeles region. These shocking crimes affected and unsettled the entire population of Southern California.

One of the unfortunate victims was Sharon Tate, a talented actress and model who was married to director Roman Polanski. Her tragic fate at the hands of the Manson cult remains a deeply mourned loss within the entertainment industry and beyond.

Who is Leslie Van Houten?

Leslie Louise Van Houten, an American former member of the Manson family, was born on August 23, 1949. Following her parents' divorce, she turned to drugs, including LSD and Benzedrine, starting at the age of 14.

In 1966, Van Houten relocated to Northern California, where she encountered Catherine Share, Bobby Beausoleil, and another woman, eventually residing with them. They all became involved with Manson's group, which exerted complete control over various aspects of their lives, including food and drugs.

On August 9, 1969, Van Houten, alongside Tex Watson, Patricia Krenwinkel, Linda Kasabian, Clem Grogan, and Manson himself, visited the residence of Rosemary and LaBianca, where they carried out the murders. Manson allegedly instructed other group members to kill an actor as well.

When questioned, Manson denied any responsibility and never provided a clear motive for the killings. However, prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi theorized that Manson aimed to instigate a race-based civil war.

Why was Leslie Van Houten jailed?

Van Houten received a conviction for her involvement in the killings of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, carried out under Manson's instructions. Initially, she was sentenced to death, but the conviction was later overturned, leading to subsequent trials that ended in deadlock.

Eventually, Van Houten received a prison sentence of seven years to life.

In 2016, 2017, and 2019, the Board of Parole Hearings determined Van Houten to be suitable for parole. However, her release was blocked through legal intervention.

As part of her parole petition, a psychological evaluation of Van Houten highlighted her exemplary disciplinary record during her time in prison. It also acknowledged that her notoriety could potentially cause stress upon her release.

FAQs:

1. Who is Leslie Van Houten?
   Leslie Louise Van Houten, an American former member of the Manson family, was born on August 23, 1949. Following her parents' divorce, she turned to drugs, including LSD and Benzedrine, starting at the age of 14.
2. Who was Charles Manson?
   Charles Manson, an infamous American criminal and cult leader, gained notoriety for his role in leading a group of followers referred to as the Manson Family. In 1969, Manson orchestrated a series of murders that claimed the lives of seven individuals, among them the actress Sharon Tate. He died in prison in 2017 at the age of 83.