Leslie Van Houton denied parole in 1985...
LOS ANGELES TIMES (section II (Metro) only), May 16, 1985
- Murderer Leslie Van Houten denied parole
- re. Charles Manson "Helter Skelter" murders
Near the bottom of the front page of this section has a heading: "Manson Disciple Van Houten Denied Parole for 5th Time" with photo. (see images)
Complete section II only with 20 pages, nice condition.
Background: Leslie Van Houten's legal arc is notable both for its tragic initial violence and its unprecedented, highly contested resolution, marking a rare exception among the convicted members of the Charles Manson "Family". Contrary to the notion that she refused parole, Van Houten actively sought release over a span of more than four decades, maintaining an exemplary record as a model inmate by earning multiple college degrees and leading self-help programs behind bars. What makes her case exceptionally rare in American penal history is the relentless political tug-of-war that delayed her freedom: despite being recommended for parole by state boards five separate times between 2016 and 2021, her release was repeatedly vetoed by two consecutive California governors due to the lingering notoriety of the 1969 LaBianca murders. That gridlock finally broke in July 2023 when a state appellate court overturned the governor's veto, making the 73-year-old Van Houten the first member of Manson’s core murder crew to be granted freedom on parole.