Manson follower, Leslie Van Houten, denied parole

[Janice]

Manson follower denied parole

Leslie Van Houten was convicted of murder in the La Bianca slayings




CHINO, Calif. - Leslie Van Houten, the one-time follower of convicted serial killer Charles Manson follower long seen as the most likely of his ex-acolytes to win freedom someday, was denied parole Tuesday for a 19th time.

At the conclusion of the emotional three-hour hearing, the chairman of the parole board, Robert Doyle, said Van Houten was not yet suitable for parole because she had failed to gain complete insight into her crime and its motivation.

While commending her for her adjustment to prison and her work on behalf of other prisoners, Doyle and deputy commissioner Carol Bentley said the crimes involved were so atrocious and heinous that they must be considered in the decision.

"She does not look at herself to see what made her capable of this activity," Doyle said. Both he and Bentley said they were disappointed that Van Houten chose not to speak to them directly.

"It's been 15 years since I've seen you," Bentley said, "and commissioner Doyle has never heard from you."

Doyle criticized a report from a psychologist who he said accepted everything Van Houten told her and did not look beneath the surface.

He particularly noted that in the past, Van Houten has suffered from dependence on strong male figures who were able to control her. He suggested she needs more counseling on how to deal with men.

However, he said the concerns for public safety are not sufficient to give her a 10- or 15-year denial. He scheduled another hearing in three years.

Van Houten, who last appeared before a parole board in 2007, showed no response to the decision and was taken back to her cell.

During the hearing, she read a statement apologizing to the family of Leno and Rosemary La Bianca "for the pain I caused" and saying she understood their grief. She gave them a private written apology.

She said she understood the enormity of her crime and makes no excuses for her actions. She said she has gained insight during her 41 years in prison that is helping her to understand "so it does not happen again."

Louis Smaldino, a member of the La Bianca family, spoke during the hearing of the unending anguish they have experienced and suggested that Van Houten should have been executed. He urged the board to keep her in prison and deny another parole hearing for as long as possible.

"Miss Van Houten is a murdering terrorist, and her character does not change," he said.

Debra Tate, sister of the slain Sharon Tate, whose killing is not involved in this case, appeared on behalf of another La Bianca family member, Angela Smaldino. Tate said Smaldino believes Van Houten should be commended for her growth but thinks her behavior would be unpredictable in a changed world.

"It's not a risk that most of us would want to take," she said.
Van Houten's attorney, Brandie Devall, highlighted her impeccable disciplinary record.

"There is nothing in the record that suggests her dangerousness," she said. "You have a record before you of reform and rehabilitation. People can and do change."

Devall also asked the panel to consider Van Houten's age -- 19 -- when she joined in the La Bianca killings. She noted Van Houten came under the influence of Manson, "who had a knack for finding lost young people and manipulating them."

Devall quoted one of the original prosecutors in the case, Stephen Kay, who said in 1980 that Van Houten would be suitable for parole someday.
"We now have three decades more," she said. "There is no need for more time to observe Miss Van Houten."

However, Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Patrick Sequeira recounted the murders' savagery and urged the panel not to accept the idea that Manson was responsible and Houten was not.

"It's been said he turned people into mindless robots," Sequeira said of Manson. "But there were people in the commune who did not participate in the murders."

He noted that Van Houten chose not to answer questions of the panel at the hearing.

"Nevertheless, the real question that arises is who does this? Who joins this group after hearing the news of what happened at the Tate residence the night before?" Sequeira asked.

Arguing for her continued incarceration, he said, "There's just something about this woman, something about her that led her to cross a very heavy line and become involved in these brutal, savage murders."

Devall responded that current case law suggests the panel should look at "who the person is sitting before you today," and not base its entire decision on the crimes.

After the hearing, Devall said she will probably appeal the ruling.

Asked why Van Houten chose not to speak to the panel, Devall said "There's nothing new for her to add. She has said it all. This time the court won't be able to use her words against her."

Sequeira said he was pleased with the decision and felt Van Houten had not taken full responsibility for her crimes.

"She makes herself out to be a victim rather than a full participant ... I'd like her to tell the truth about what she did," Sequeira said.

Among those attending Tuesday's hearing was Barbara Hoyt, a former Manson family member, who said she had not seen Van Houten in 40 years.

"I hope my coming here stumped her a little bit," Hoyt said.

Hoyt said if she had not seen pictures of the older Van Houten, she would never have recognized her.

Van Houten was convicted of murder and conspiracy for her role in the slayings of the La Biancas, who were wealthy grocers. They were stabbed to death in August 1969, one night after Manson's followers killed actress Sharon Tate and four others.

Van Houten did not participate in the Tate killings but went along the next night when the La Biancas were slain in their home. During the penalty phase of her trial, she confessed to joining in stabbing Mrs. La Bianca after she was dead.

The Tate-La Bianca killings became one of the most notorious murder cases of the 20th Century and continues to rivet public attention 41 years later.

[Janice]

Very moving. A loving tribute to Sharon. Her beauty is timeless.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAiQ8ctAHGg

[catlover79]

[Family Ties Forever!]

She and the others should have to remain in prison. IMO, they don't deserve to be released from prison.

[catlover79]

Originally Posted by Janice

Very moving. A loving tribute to Sharon. Her beauty is timeless.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAiQ8ctAHGg

Sharon Tate was born the same year as my mom - which may be why I have a soft spot in my heart for Sharon and her baby. May they both .

[dakert]

There is something kind of rotten as these animals are still alive while people we love are in heaven

[OH Nuts!]

Originally Posted by dakert

There is something kind of rotten as these animals are still alive while people we love are in heaven

There certainly is, and if Leslie van Houten was truly repentent there were ways she could have demonstrated this throughout her 41 years. Her words & actions ring hollow to me.

[Liza]

Originally Posted by Janice

Very moving. A loving tribute to Sharon. Her beauty is timeless.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAiQ8ctAHGg

Okay, this is a pet peeve of mine. Leslie Van Houten had nothing at all to do with the death of Sharon Tate. She never set foot on the property or laid eyes on the actress.

As to the topic itself, Leslie Van Houten poses no threat to society, the California Parole Board isn't fooling anybody by saying that. They're keeping her in because of the notoriaty of her crime. I'm not necessarily saying she should be let out - I see both sides of it. However, the way the laws are in California she probably should be set free.

[Liza]

Originally Posted by OH Nuts!

There certainly is, and if Leslie van Houten was truly repentent there were ways she could have demonstrated this throughout her 41 years. Her words & actions ring hollow to me.

I've got to disagree with you on this one. Out of all the Manson family, Van Houten is the only one I ever sympathized with, BECAUSE she has shown great remorse and steadfast dedication towards repentance in the past 41 years. What else could she do but accept her actions and try to lead a good life?

[dakert]

Liza--she may not have killed Sharon but it sounds like she had something to do with the La Bianca murders???

[Janice]

Originally Posted by Liza

Okay, this is a pet peeve of mine. Leslie Van Houten had nothing at all to do with the death of Sharon Tate. She never set foot on the property or laid eyes on the actress.

As to the topic itself, Leslie Van Houten poses no threat to society, the California Parole Board isn't fooling anybody by saying that. They're keeping her in because of the notoriaty of her crime. I'm not necessarily saying she should be let out - I see both sides of it. However, the way the laws are in California she probably should be set free.

What's a pet peeve of yours, when people post tributes to Sharon Tate? That falls under too bad about it. Yeah, blame the Parole Board. They'll keep all of the Manson murdering pigs in prison until their deaths, as it should be. It's not about keeping them off the streets. It's about retribution. I'll save my tears for the victims. Van Houten stabbed Rosemary LaBianca about 20 times while her husband was stabbed by her co-murderers. They were a murdering gang, and because of all of them, Sharon Tate, her house guests and others, and the LaBiancas met grizzly deaths. The killers may have carved PIG into some of the victims or wrote it on the walls with the poor souls' blood, but the killers were all the pigs, including Leslie Van Houten, especially her. They're lucky they dodged the death penalty. No more gifts.

[Mr. Television]

Originally Posted by Liza

Okay, this is a pet peeve of mine. Leslie Van Houten had nothing at all to do with the death of Sharon Tate. She never set foot on the property or laid eyes on the actress.

As to the topic itself, Leslie Van Houten poses no threat to society, the California Parole Board isn't fooling anybody by saying that. They're keeping her in because of the notoriaty of her crime. I'm not necessarily saying she should be let out - I see both sides of it. However, the way the laws are in California she probably should be set free.

I don't care if she poses a threat or not. Anybody that kills someone like that should rott in Hell. She's lucky she's alive at all. All of them should have been executed years ago.

[Courtnee]

"Men go to prison...dogs get put down."

If after all these years, she's unable to understand her motivation in killing/etc, then she either lacks intelligence or is apathetic.


(And I hope everyone catches the reference I made)

[spunkygirl]

There's something wrong that she gets to live while she people she MURDERED in cold blood are dead.

I hope she rots in prison

[Liza]

Originally Posted by Janice

What's a pet peeve of yours, when people post tributes to Sharon Tate? That falls under too bad about it.

No Janice - and it wasn't really directed at you - it's a pet peeve of mine that whenever people hear the name 'Manson' they think of Sharon Tate. It's amazing how many people think Leslie van Houten personally killed Sharon.

Yeah, blame the Parole Board. They'll keep all of the Manson murdering pigs in prison until their deaths, as it should be. It's not about keeping them off the streets. It's about retribution. I'll save my tears for the victims. Van Houten stabbed Rosemary LaBianca about 20 times while her husband was stabbed by her co-murderers. They were a murdering gang, and because of all of them, Sharon Tate, her house guests and others, and the LaBiancas met grizzly deaths. The killers may have carved PIG into some of the victims or wrote it on the walls with the poor souls' blood, but the killers were all the pigs, including Leslie Van Houten, especially her. They're lucky they dodged the death penalty. No more gifts

I don't say I sympathize with what she did. I'm as well-acquainted with the details of the case as anyone. (For example, Rosemary was stabbed 16 times, not 20, and it was Tex Watson who killed her). I'm simply stating that the way the laws are written, the Parole Board really isn't following them. Whether that's right or wrong is debatable.