December 21, 2024 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Former Manson Cult Member Leslie Van Houten Suitable for Parole

Leslie Louise Van Houten is a former member of Charles Manson's "Family" who is in prison for the murders of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca.
Leslie Louise Van Houten is a former member of Charles Manson’s “Family” who is in prison for the murders of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca.

A state parole board panel found today that former Charles Manson disciple Leslie Van Houten — who was convicted of the August 1969 killings of grocers Leno and Rosemary La Bianca at their Los Feliz home — is suitable for parole.

Van Houten, now 66, had been denied parole 19 times between 1979 and 2013, according to state prison officials.

The panel’s decision will be reviewed administratively by the state’s Board of Parole Hearings for up to 120 days, then be sent to Gov. Jerry Brown for his review.

In January, the governor rejected a state parole board panel’s August 2015 recommendation for parole for another Manson follower, Bruce Davis. Davis was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy for the July 25, 1969, stabbing death of musician Gary Hinsman in his Topanga Canyon home and the killing of Donald “Shorty” Shea, who was last seen alive on Aug. 27, 1969.

Van Houten was convicted of murder and conspiracy for participating with fellow Manson family members Charles “Tex” Watson and Patricia Krenwinkel in the Aug. 9, 1969, slayings of grocers Leno and Rosemary La Bianca at their Los Feliz home.

Van Houten was sentenced to death, but re-sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1972 that the death penalty was unconstitutional.

Van Houten has acknowledged her role in the La Bianca murders, admitting at an August 2004 parole hearing that she stabbed Rosemary La Bianca 14 to 16 times after the woman had been stabbed by Watson and Krenwinkel.

At earlier hearings, Van Houten said she believed La Bianca already was dead at the time, and said it was “very hard” to “look back on the behavior of who I was at 19.”

The former Monrovia High School cheerleader and homecoming princess did not participate in the Manson family’s killings of pregnant actress Sharon Tate and four others in a Benedict Canyon mansion the night before.

In 2013, a state parole board panel denied parole to Van Houten and ordered another hearing in five years. But the Board of Parole Hearings agreed to advance the hearing after Van Houten — who is behind bars at the California Institution for Women in Corona — filed a petition last September citing the self-help programs and other work she has done to address the concerns stated by the panel in its 2013 decision to deny her parole.

Manson and many of his other former followers, who have repeatedly been denied parole, remain behind bars.

Onetime Manson family member Susan Atkins died in September 2009, about three weeks after a state parole board panel rejected her plea for a “compassionate release” from prison because of brain cancer.

Related Posts

Experience Elevated Brunch Vibes at LAVO West Hollywood with Live DJ and Luxe Cocktails

December 20, 2024

December 20, 2024

Indulge in a $46 Three-Course Brunch With Shareable Cocktail Trees, Signature Drinks,  LAVO West Hollywood, known for its upscale Italian...

LA Sheriff’s Department Seeks Public’s Help to Find West Hollywood Man John Joseph Mallon III

December 20, 2024

December 20, 2024

Missing West Hollywood Man Needs Medication and Is Considered At Risk The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Missing Persons Unit...

(Video) At Vistamar School – Discover the way high school should be

December 19, 2024

December 19, 2024

Students achieve remarkable outcomes with our strong academics, small classes, andpersonalized approach. Our graduates don’t just attend college—they excel. Vistamar’sunique...

Holidays in Harmony: Celebrate Diversity and Joy in Los Angeles This December 22

December 19, 2024

December 19, 2024

Free Family-Friendly Festival at LA High Park from CD 5 Rep Katy Yaroslavsky Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky is inviting Angelenos to...

LA Public Health Officials Warn Against Raw Milk Consumption Amid Bird Flu Outbreak

December 19, 2024

December 19, 2024

Second California Recall Affects Unpasteurized Milk; Risk of Illness to Humans and Pets The Los Angeles County Department of Public...

Celebrate the Holidays in Style at Something About Her’s Ugly Sweater Soiree

December 19, 2024

December 19, 2024

Festive Looks, Limited-Edition Treats, and Holiday Cheer Await Something About Her has special treats this holiday, so it’s time to...

California Governor Declares State of Emergency Amid Bird Flu Outbreak in Dairy Cattle

December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

Governor Newsom’s Action Expands the State’s Response to the H5N1 Virus Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency today...

Krispy Kreme and Lodge Bread Unite for Limited-Edition Hanukkah Sufganiyot

December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

Only for a Limited Time and in Limited Quantities for This Special Collaboration Krispy Kreme and Los Angeles-based bakery Lodge...

Explore Eastern Mediterranean Flavors: Zaytinya by José Andrés Now Open in Culver City

December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

Discover Mezze With a California Twist and Rooftop Bar with Tacos Butterfly  Renowned chef José Andrés has brought his celebrated...

Fia Restaurant Honors Veterans with a Special Thanksgiving Lunch in Santa Monica

December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

Chef Scott Erickson, a Former U.S. Marine, Leads Fia’s Efforts to Give Back This Thanksgiving, Fia Restaurant extended its commitment...

Celebrate Hanukkah with Authors Paul Small and Josh Freeman at Diesel, A Bookstore

December 18, 2024

December 18, 2024

Interactive Event Explores the Deeper Meaning of Hanukkah With Art and Music On Saturday, Dec. 28, at 2:00 p.m., authors...

(Video) The Watermark at Beverly Hills Offers Boutique-Style Living for Seniors

December 17, 2024

December 17, 2024

For More Info, Go To Watermarkcommunities.com For More Info, Go To https://t.co/1KMXcau57L pic.twitter.com/GD2Cu380SJ — CCNewsLA (@CCWNNews) December 18, 2024

Oscar Race Heats Up: 97th Academy Awards Shortlists Revealed by The Academy

December 17, 2024

December 17, 2024

Documentaries, International Films, Blockbusters In 10 Competitive Categories The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the shortlists...

Best Christmas Dinners To Go and Very Special Christmas Treats for Your Holiday Celebration

December 17, 2024

December 17, 2024

Where to Order Some of the Most Delicious and Special Treats for Next Week Christmas is approaching soon and just...

(Video) The Willows: 30 Years Going Strong

December 16, 2024

December 16, 2024

Founded in 1994, The Willows Community School, located in Culver City, California, is a Developmental Kindergarten through 8th grade non-profit, co-educational independent school...