Major Controversies Surrounding Leslie Van Houten: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Leslie Van Houten.

Leslie Van Houten is an American convicted murderer and former member of the Manson Family. She used aliases such as Louella Alexandria, Leslie Marie Sankston, Linda Sue Owens and Lulu. She was involved in the murders orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

August 1968: Manson Family Based at Spahn Ranch

From August 1968, Charles Manson and his followers, including Van Houten, were based at the Spahn Ranch.

August 9, 1969: Trip to LaBianca House

On August 9, 1969, Van Houten accompanied Tex Watson, Patricia Krenwinkel, Linda Kasabian, Susan Atkins, Clem Grogan, and Charles Manson to the house of Rosemary and Leno LaBianca. Manson entered with Watson, then left with Kasabian, Atkins, and Grogan.

1969: Arrest and Charge for LaBianca Murders

In 1969, Van Houten was arrested and charged in connection with the murders of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca.

1970: Emphasis on Motive in Prosecution

In 1970, the prosecution emphasized that the motive for the murders had nothing to do with robbery, and that the killers ignored valuable property.

March 29, 1971: Conviction of Murder

On March 29, 1971, Leslie Van Houten was convicted of murder along with other defendants. During the sentencing phase, she testified about a killing she was not involved in, in an attempt to exonerate Manson.

1971: Van Houten's Testimony

In 1971, Van Houten testified about her involvement in the LaBianca murders, admitting to stabbing Rosemary LaBianca multiple times.

1972: Death Sentence Commuted to Life Imprisonment

In 1972, Van Houten's death sentence was automatically commuted to life in prison after the California Supreme Court's People v. Anderson decision resulted in the invalidation of all death sentences imposed in California prior to 1972.

1972: Death Sentence Commuted

In 1972, a California Supreme Court ruling found the death penalty unconstitutional, resulting in Van Houten's death sentence being commuted to life in prison.

1975: Moved to General Prison Population

In 1975, the Manson women, including Van Houten, were moved to the general population at the California Institution for Women.

1976: Conviction Overturned and Retrial Granted

In 1976, an appellate court decision overturned Van Houten's conviction, granting her a retrial.

1977: Retrial Granted Due to Lawyer's Death

In 1977, Van Houten was granted a retrial due to the failure to declare a mistrial when her lawyer, Ronald Hughes, died. The jury in the retrial could not agree on a verdict.

1978: Second Re-Trial and Conviction

In 1978, at Van Houten's second re-trial, the prosecution altered the charges by adding a charge of robbery. She was found guilty of first-degree murder and given a life sentence with parole eligibility.

2004: Denial of Parole Review

In 2004, California Supreme Court Justice Manuel Ramirez denied review of a Court of Appeal ruling upholding Van Houten's denial of parole, noting the prosecutor's suggestion that Manson was attempting to start a racial civil war.

2013: Barbara Hoyt speaks at Van Houten's parole hearing

In 2013, Barbara Hoyt spoke at Van Houten's parole hearing, stating that Van Houten was considered a 'leader' in the Family.

2013: 20th Parole Denial

In 2013, Van Houten was denied parole for the 20th time at a hearing.

April 14, 2016: Parole Board Recommends Parole, Governor Vetoes

On April 14, 2016, a panel of the California Parole Board recommended granting Van Houten's parole request, but California Governor Jerry Brown vetoed the release.

September 29, 2016: Governor's Veto Upheld by Judge

On September 29, 2016, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge William C. Ryan upheld the governor's reversal of a parole board's decision to release Van Houten.

September 6, 2017: Parole Recommended at 21st Hearing

On September 6, 2017, Van Houten was again recommended for parole at her 21st parole hearing.

January 19, 2018: Governor Denies Parole Again

On January 19, 2018, Governor Jerry Brown again denied Van Houten's parole.

June 29, 2018: Parole Vetoed Again

On June 29, 2018, Van Houten's parole was once again vetoed by Judge William C. Ryan.

January 30, 2019: Parole Recommended for Third Time

On January 30, 2019, during her 22nd parole hearing, Van Houten was recommended for parole for the third time.

June 4, 2019: Governor Newsom Overrules Parole Board

On June 4, 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom overruled the parole board's recommendation, claiming Van Houten was still a 'danger to society'.

September 21, 2019: Appeals Court Rules in Governor's Favor

On September 21, 2019, the appeals court panel ruled 2–1 in the governor's favor regarding Van Houten's appeal.

July 23, 2020: Parole Recommended for Fourth Time

On July 23, 2020, Van Houten was recommended for parole for the fourth time at a 23rd parole hearing.

November 9, 2021: Parole Board Recommends Parole Again

On November 9, 2021, Van Houten was again recommended for parole by a parole board.

February 9, 2022: California Supreme Court Rejects Review

On February 9, 2022, the California Supreme Court rejected Van Houten's request for review of the governor's decision to deny her parole.

March 29, 2022: Governor Newsom Overrules Parole Board Recommendation Again

On March 29, 2022, Governor Newsom again overruled the parole board's recommendation for Van Houten.

May 30, 2023: Court Sets Aside Governor's Parole Denial

On May 30, 2023, a California Court of Appeal in Los Angeles overturned Governor Newsom's decision to deny Leslie Van Houten's parole, marking the first instance of a Manson family member having a court rule in their favor regarding a parole recommendation.

July 7, 2023: Governor Newsom Declines to Appeal Parole Decision

On July 7, 2023, Governor Newsom announced that he would not file an appeal with the California Supreme Court to block Leslie Van Houten's parole, paving the way for her release from prison.

July 11, 2023: Van Houten Released on Parole

On July 11, 2023, Leslie Van Houten was released on parole after serving over 52 years in prison, and was transferred to a transitional living facility while subject to parole supervision for up to three years.