Leslie Van Houten was born in 1949 in Altadena, California. She was a bright and popular child, but she struggled with depression and anxiety as she got older. In 1967, she dropped out of college and moved to Los Angeles, where she became involved in the counterculture movement.
In 1969, Van Houten met Charles Manson, a charismatic cult leader. She was quickly drawn into his orbit, and she soon became one of his most devoted followers. On August 9, 1969, Van Houten and several other Manson followers went to the home of Sharon Tate, a pregnant actress, and her friends. They brutally murdered Tate and four others, including Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger, Voytek Frykowski, and Steven Parent.
The next night, Van Houten and the other Manson followers went to the home of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca. They stabbed the couple to death and wrote messages in their blood on the walls. Van Houten was convicted of both murders and sentenced to death.
Her sentence was later commuted to life in prison, and she spent the next 53 years behind bars. She was released from prison on July 11, 2022, after a parole board determined that she was no longer a threat to society.
Van Houten's release has been met with mixed reactions. Some people believe that she has served her time and should be allowed to live out her life in peace. Others believe that she is still a danger to society and should never be released.
Van Houten has expressed remorse for her crimes, and she has said that she is committed to living a peaceful life. She has also said that she hopes to use her experience to help others who have been involved in violence.
Whether or not Van Houten is truly rehabilitated is a matter of debate. However, there is no doubt that she is a complex and fascinating figure. Her story is a reminder of the dangers of cult involvement and the power of redemption.
Here are some additional details about Van Houten's life and crimes:
She was born into a wealthy family, but her parents divorced when she was young.
She was a good student in high school, but she struggled with mental health issues.
She dropped out of college after a few months.
She met Charles Manson in 1969 and quickly became one of his most devoted followers.
She was convicted of the murders of Sharon Tate and Leno and Rosemary LaBianca.
She was sentenced to death in 1971, but her sentence was commuted to life in prison in 1972.
She was released from prison on July 11, 2022, after serving 53 years.
Here are some of the factors that the parole board considered when deciding to release Van Houten:
Her age and health. She is now 72 years old and has a number of health problems.
Her good behavior in prison. She has a clean disciplinary record and has participated in numerous rehabilitation programs.
Her remorse for her crimes. She has expressed remorse for her crimes and has said that she is committed to living a peaceful life.
The risk that she poses to society. The parole board determined that she is no longer a threat to society.
Van Houten's release has been met with mixed reactions:
Some people believe that she has served her time and should be allowed to live out her life in peace.
Others believe that she is still a danger to society and should never be released.
Some people believe that her release is a sign of weakness on the part of the justice system.
Others believe that her release is a sign of hope and redemption.
Van Houten's story is a reminder of the dangers of cult involvement and the power of redemption:
Van Houten was a bright and promising young woman who was led astray by a charismatic cult leader.
She committed horrific crimes, but she has since expressed remorse and has worked to rehabilitate herself.
Her story is a reminder that even the most damaged people can change and find redemption.