Leslie Van Houten now aged 57 was a murdering member of the Manson Family. As a teen, she left a life of wealth and privilege to join a cult of drug freaks. They were the Manson family that left a trail of horror never seen before or since in the Los Angeles area. The incredible grip that Manson had of total mind control over his “family” has never been satisfactorily explained to me. These women would do absolutely anything Manson desired. There were heavy drugs in the mix that spawned this murdering machine.
Van Houten helped kill Leno and Rosemary LaBianca. She was a part of the cult that also killed pregnant actress Sharon Tate and four others in hopes of starting a revolution of which they would be the only survivors. Van Houten was never known or accused to be personally involved with the Tate killings.
Van Houten was once Prom Queen material that had gone terribly wrong. Originally she was sentenced to death for her despicable acts, but that was commuted to Life with parole in 1972. She’s been a model prisoner, repentant and up for parole 15 times before. Van Houten's next trip before the parole board is set for September 7, 2006 at the women's prison in Corona, California.
While in prison, aside for renouncing Manson long ago, Van Houten has earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree. She works as a clerk in a chaplain's office and has not been the subject of a disciplinary report since 1976, for possession of marijuana (inside prison).
Van Houten later went through alcohol and drug rehab, group therapy and psychotherapy in prison. She has helped lead drug and alcohol programs for other women, including a relapse prevention program for long-time members of a mutual support group which shares experience, strength, and hope. She chairs two Friday nights per month.
Can we ever forgive the mad acts of some drug-crazed kid from nearly 40 years ago? Can she ever be redeemed and reclaimed as a human being that deserves freedom again?
Van Houten won a re-trial in the courts in 1978 and was freed on bail for a six month period of time. She never ran or garnered police attention during that period.
Call me soft or whatever you want. I say let the woman out. It’s time for her to make a contribution to our world.
Parole hearing information:
09/07/06 -VAN HOUTEN,LESLIE CDC #W13378 1:30 PM at 16756 Chino-Corona Road, Corona, CA 92878. (909) 597-1771
I found this interesting video containing prison interviews of the Manson Family by Diane Sawyer.
Update! Van Houten denied Parole!
Comments
I’m look now at the tremendous passage of time and redemption for this woman. I have no illusions expecting California to parole any Manson family members, ever. Retribution and revenge are what rules today.
Either way, the Parole Board should take a hard look at this and not just dismiss it out of hand, just because previous PB's have said no.
Part of being a Christian is forgivness. She has turned away from her former life. Growing old tends to do that.
Yes, if it was my family I would want her freed. Mason? No, he is still a nut case and very dangerious. But she has turned.
And BTW, I am a very very conservitive right wing guy!
At least she readied herself to return to society long ago. It's time to let her go.
For some reason I expect she will do something really good befor she dies. We need to give her that chance.