February 12, 2025 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Member of Manson Family Unable to be Released on Parole

Leslie Van Houten, a member of the murderous Manson Family, cannot now be released from prison on parole, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge has ruled.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge William C. Ryan issued an 18- page ruling Thursday upholding Governor Jerry Brown’s reversal earlier in the year of a parole board’s decision to release Van Houten, the Los Angeles Times reported.

There is “some evidence” that Van Houten still presents an unreasonable threat to society, Ryan wrote, adding that he respects Brown’s broad discretion in such decisions.

Now 67 and living at a women’s prison in Chino, Van Houten was convicted of first-degree murder in 1978 and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

“There’s no question that if the word ‘Manson’ was not involved in her crimes, she would have been paroled 20 years ago,” Richard Pfeiffer, Van Houten’s attorney, said in remarks reported by The Times. He said he plans  to appeal Ryan’s decision.

On Aug. 9, 1969, Manson cult members murdered five people, including Sharon Tate, the pregnant wife of film director Roman Polanski. Van Houten didn’t participate in the initial killings but the next night was involved in the murders of of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca.

Van Houten, who earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees behind bars, has asked to be released on parole but was denied 19 times before a two-person panel in April granted her request.

Although the crime was “atrocious, cruel and monstrous,” the panel ruled that Van Houten “no longer posed an unreasonable risk of danger to society.” The commissioners cited her “sterling” prison record, her age at the time of the crime — she was19 — and Manson’s powers of manipulation.

Cory LaBianca, who was 21 when her father and stepmother were slain, told The Times in April that she strongly opposed Van Houten’s release.

Charles Manson, 81, and other members of the cult remain in prison.

 

73979720

Related Posts

(Video) The Willows Students Bring a 50-Foot Dragon to Life Through Art and Teamwork

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Kristy Acero, The Willows DK-4th Grade Art teacher, led her students in a large-scale, collaborative project, with each grade creating...

ART& 2025: NeueHouse Unveils Inspiring Lineup Celebrating Feminine Leadership

February 12, 2025

February 12, 2025

Four-Day Event in Venice Beach Explores Creativity, Activism, and Cultural Impact NeueHouse has unveiled the schedule for ART& 2025, a...

LA Attorney Who Represented Rodney King Sentenced to Prison for Tax Evasion Scheme

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Milton C. Grimes Ordered To Serve Time in Prison and Pay Restitution Milton C. Grimes, a longtime Los Angeles attorney,...

Canned Tuna Pulled from Shelves Over Botulism Contamination Risk

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

El Segundo Seafood Company Issues Voluntary Recall Through FDA Tri-Union Seafoods has issued a voluntary recall of certain canned tuna...

Powerful Storm to Bring Heavy Rains, Possible Debris Flow to Los Angeles

February 11, 2025

February 11, 2025

Officials Warn of Risks, Urge Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather A Pacific storm system is expected to bring widespread...

Retailers Impose Egg Purchase Restrictions as Supply Chain Disruptions Cause Concern

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Egg Limits Are Back – What’s Causing the Shortage? Retailers across the United States, including Costco and Trader Joe’s, have...

Donate Blood, Save Lives: Culver City Hosts Valentine’s Week Drive

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Urgent Need for Donors as Red Cross Faces Critical Blood Shortages As Valentine’s Day approaches, the Culver City Police Department...

New Bill Targets Crime in Disaster Zones – Here’s What You Need to Know

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Lawmakers Push for Tougher Penalties To Protect Vulnerable Communities California lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at cracking down...

What about are you protected from future wildfires?

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the recent wildfires and Santa Ana windstorms in Southern California. We...

Actor Will Arnett Lists Stunning Beverly Hills-Area Home for $22.5 Million

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Comedy Star’s Modern Farmhouse Features Custom Podcast Studio Actor and comedian Will Arnett is selling his modern farmhouse-style home near...

Shore Hotel Remains Sustainability Leader

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

By Susan Payne On track to open its new coastal-inspired restaurant, Shore Hotel has excited new offerings and initiatives this...

Worker Injured in HVAC Explosion at Culver City Mall’s Roof

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Explosion on Mall Rooftop Leaves One Worker Hospitalized A worker sustained severe injuries in a workplace accident at the Culver...

Former Bed Bath & Beyond Near LAX to Be Transformed Into Affordable Housing

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Eight-Story Development with 333 Apartments Planned in Empty Warehouse Store According to a recent application submitted to the Los Angeles...

Rescheduled 2024 Homeless Count Needs More Volunteers on the Westside

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Not Enough Volunteers to Successfully Count Unhoused Angelenos This Year With the rescheduled dates for the 2025 Greater Los Angeles...

Student Protest Over Immigration Policies Leads to Walkouts Across the Westside

February 7, 2025

February 7, 2025

Walkout Turns Tense as Counter-Protester Confronts Teen in Video From Venice Students from Santa Monica High School (SAMOHI), Culver City...