After 40 years in prison, Leslie Van Houten is being released from prison. The former Manson Family Cult member is 73 years old. Leslie Houten was found to be eligible for parole earlier this month, her release was not challenged by state officials in California.
Like many of the other members of the Manson Family, Leslie claims that she was brainwashed by the charismatic Charles Manson. Manson has been made larger than life by the media, resulting in several movies and many more books written about the cult leader.
Leslie Houten was charged with the double homicide of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca. In her trial, she admitted to being involved in the murders. She stated that she held down Rosemary Labianca while she was killed, then proceeded to stab the corpse after her death.
The time served and Leslie Houten’s behavior were major factors in this decision. The courts did decide that she is no longer a threat to herself or others. Governor Newsom had previously rejected her attempts at parole. This time he allowed the process to go through.
Leslie Houten will make the transition into a halfway home and begin her adjustment to the modern world. Much has changed in the past forty years, and she will likely need help in understanding how things work now.
Some of the public may have a hard time accepting this decision. But Lelsie Houten has expressed remorse for her crimes and was a model prisoner during her time served. We will have to wait and see how much of the Manson Family Cult still resides within her.