Where is Leslie Van Houten Now? Who is Leslie Van Houten?
by Alaguvelan M | Updated Jul 12, 2023
Who is Leslie Van Houten?
Born on August 23, 1949, in California, Leslie Van Houten is a convicted murderer and former member of Charles Manson's notorious Manson Family cult. Joining the cult at the young age of 19 in 1969, Van Houten actively participated in the brutal murders of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, which led to her conviction and a life sentence.
With over 50 years of incarceration, she has faced numerous parole hearings, mostly resulting in denial. However, in May 2023, her 21st parole hearing took a different turn as the parole board recommended her release, despite opposition from the Governor of California.
Eventually, an appeals court approved her release, leading to her freedom on July 11, 2023. Nevertheless, her release has sparked intense debates and controversy, raising concerns about her readiness to reintegrate into society and the potential risk of reoffending.
Leslie Van Houten gained notoriety for her unwavering loyalty to Charles Manson, who established the Manson Family cult in California during the late 1960s. The cult made headlines for their involvement in several high-profile murders, including the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders, in which Van Houten played a role.
At the time of these heinous acts, she was just a 19-year-old described as an intelligent and attractive middle-class teenager, shocking many. Following her arrest, Van Houten and other cult members became media sensations, captivating the public, and press throughout their highly publicized trials.
During her lengthy imprisonment, Van Houten distanced herself from Manson, publicly denouncing him as a manipulative and dangerous figure. However, her participation in the Manson Family's shocking crimes has made her a polarizing figure, with significant opposition to her release. Despite her newfound freedom, her involvement in the Manson Family's horrific acts has left an indelible mark on history.
Where is Leslie Van Houten Now?
On Tuesday, July 11, 2023, Leslie Van Houten, who served 53 years for her involvement in the Manson Family murders, was released from prison. Her current whereabouts are unknown. The court order for her release came after the California Board of Parole Hearings recommended her release in May 2023, following her 21st parole hearing, despite opposition from the Governor of California. An appeals court ultimately voted in favor of her release, leading to her release from prison.
Van Houten, now 72 years old, played a significant role in the infamous Manson Family cult murders in 1969 and was considered one of the group's devoted followers. Specifically, she actively participated in the killings of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca.
Throughout her lengthy incarceration, Van Houten faced numerous parole hearings, with over twenty resulting in denial. However, during her twenty-first parole hearing on May 12, 2023, the parole board recommended her release. Despite the Governor of California's opposition, the appeals court granted her freedom, resulting in her release on July 11, 2023.
Van Houten's release has sparked debates and controversy among the public and lawmakers, as concerns regarding her readiness to reintegrate into society and the potential risk of further crimes arise. Presently, no information is available regarding her current location or post-release plans.
The public reaction to Van Houten's release has been divided, with some believing she should not have been released, while others argue that she has served her time and deserves a second chance. The forthcoming period will reveal how Van Houten adjusts to life outside of prison.
Who Was Released After 53 Years For 2 Murders Related To Manson's Cult?
After serving a life sentence for her involvement in the Manson Family murders, Leslie Van Houten walked out of a California prison on Tuesday, marking the end of her 53-year incarceration. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed her release, stating that she is now under parole supervision. Governor Gavin Newsom's decision not to contest a state appeals court ruling paved the way for her parole.
Van Houten, now 73 years old, was convicted for her role in the 1969 killings of Leno LaBianca and his wife Rosemary, orchestrated by Charles Manson's cult. Upon her release, Van Houten was escorted to transitional housing, according to her attorney Nancy Tetreault. Tetreault mentioned that Van Houten is still grappling with the reality of her newfound freedom.
Formerly a homecoming princess, Van Houten was 19 years old when she participated in the gruesome murders of the affluent Los Angeles couple, following Manson's orders. Originally sentenced to death, her sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment after the California Supreme Court overturned the state's death penalty law in 1972. Despite subsequent reinstatements of the death penalty, it did not apply retroactively to her case.
The LaBiancas were brutally killed in their home, with their blood smeared on the walls. Van Houten recalled holding Rosemary LaBianca down while others stabbed her. Upon Charles "Tex" Watson's command to "do something," Van Houten grabbed a knife and stabbed the woman over a dozen times.
The murders occurred the day after Manson's followers killed actress Sharon Tate and four others. It's important to note that Van Houten did not participate in the Tate killings. Her release has ignited public debate and controversy surrounding her reintegration into society and the potential risks she may pose.
Van Houten is expected to spend approximately one year in a halfway house, navigating a world that has dramatically changed due to advancements in technology over the past half-century. Tetreault emphasized that Van Houten will have to adjust to using the internet and making cashless transactions, as the world she left behind vastly differs from the one she now faces.
While on parole for an estimated three years, Van Houten aims to secure employment as soon as possible. During her time in prison, she earned bachelor's and master's degrees in counseling and worked as a tutor for other incarcerated individuals.
Van Houten was found suitable for parole during a hearing in July 2020, but her release was initially blocked by Governor Newsom, who believed she still posed a threat to society. However, after filing an appeal that was rejected by a trial court and subsequently reviewed by appellate courts, an appeals court ultimately reversed Newsom's decision in May.
The court stated that there was no evidence to support the Governor's concerns about Van Houten's readiness for release. They emphasized her extensive rehabilitative efforts, insight, remorse, realistic parole plans, and support from loved ones, as well as positive institutional reports and her extensive therapy and substance abuse counseling over the years.
While some judges disagreed with the decision, Newsom expressed his disappointment, acknowledging the lasting impact the Manson cult's brutal killings continue to have on the victims' families.
Van Houten had been recommended for parole five times since 2016, with all previous recommendations being denied by either Newsom or former Governor Jerry Brown. Last week, Cory LaBianca, Leno LaBianca's daughter, expressed her family's heartbreak over the possibility of Van Houten's release.
Van Houten's life took a dark turn at the age of 14 following her parents' divorce, leading her to drugs and unwanted pregnancy. She revealed that her mother compelled her to undergo an illegal abortion and bury the fetus in their backyard.
Van Houten crossed paths with Manson at an old movie ranch on the outskirts of Los Angeles, where he had assembled his group of devoted followers, dubbed the "Manson Family."
Where is Leslie Van Houten Now - FAQs
Leslie Van Houten's current whereabouts are unknown as there is no information available about her location.
Yes, Leslie Van Houten has been released to parole supervision following her release from prison.
Leslie Van Houten served 53 years in prison before being released.
Leslie Van Houten's release was approved by a court order after the California Board of Parole Hearings recommended her release, which was later supported by an appeals court ruling.
Yes, initially, the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, opposed Leslie Van Houten's release, but he later chose not to contest the state appeals court ruling that granted her parole.