California Appeals Court Orders Release of Manson Follower Leslie Van Houten on Parole
A California appeals court has ordered the release of Leslie Van Houten, a follower of cult leader Charles Manson, who was involved in two killings back in 1969. The ruling overturns an earlier decision by Governor Gavin Newsom, who had rejected Van Houten’s parole for the fifth time in 2020, citing her continued threat to society. Van Houten was found guilty of killing a grocer in Los Angeles and his wife, Rosemary, under Manson’s direction. Although Newsom may request California Attorney General Rob Bonta to protest the release, it is ultimately up to him to stop the ruling.
Judicial Ruling
The Second District Court of Appeal in Los Angeles ruled 2-1 to reverse Newsom’s decision, citing “extraordinary rehabilitative efforts, insight, remorse, realistic parole plans, support from family and friends, favorable institutional reports, and successive grants of parole.” The judges also took issue with Newsom’s claim that Van Houten had failed to explain how she fell under Manson’s influence. They argued that Van Houten had discussed in detail how her personal struggles, such as her parents’ divorce, drug and alcohol abuse, and a forced illegal abortion, had made her vulnerable to Manson. The judges also rejected the claim that Van Houten’s past violent acts were a cause for concern if she were to be released.
Opposing Views
However, one dissented judge still believed that Van Houten lacked insight into the horrific killings and concurred with Newsom’s decision. Anthony DiMaria, whose uncle Jay Sebring was killed with Sharon Tate in one of the Manson family’s most high-profile murders, called the ruling a “perverse understatement” and that it was “unconscionable” for the court to overrule the rejection of parole.
Parole System in California
Professor Hadar Aviram of the UC College of Law at San Francisco explained that in California, some parolees were, for several years, unjustly kept in custody by authorities solely based on the severity of the crimes they committed. However, this was stopped by a state Supreme Court ruling. Officials now use other arguments to block parole, such as lack of sufficient insight into crimes. Van Houten, in particular, has been relatively trouble-free since her incarceration, has an advanced degree, and was just 19 when she committed the crimes under Manson’s manipulation.
Conclusion
The release of Leslie Van Houten after more than 50 years might be controversial, given the nature of her crimes. However, the court’s decision was based on several positive factors that demonstrate Van Houten’s effort to move past her troubled history and reflect on her actions. It remains to be seen whether Governor Newsom will push back or if Attorney General Bonta will attempt to halt Van Houten’s release. Regardless of the outcome, the Van Houten case raises important questions about California’s parole system and whether someone’s past actions should always determine their future.
<< photo by Ksenia Chernaya >>
