A family member of one of the Charles Manson cult victims has spoken out against the release of one of the members.
Leslie Van Houten, a former follower of Charles Manson, has been released from a California prison after serving over 50 years for her involvement in the infamous Manson Family killings.
Van Houten, who was 19 at the time, participated in the brutal murders of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca in 1969. Her release followed a state appeals court ruling and Governor Gavin Newsom's decision not to oppose it.
A family member of Jay Sebring, a victim of the Manson cult, denounced the decision of the governor's office to not challenge Leslie Van Houten's parole. Anthony DiMaria called Van Houten a "cold-blooded killer" and expressed strong disagreement with her release, stating that it sets a "dangerous, pernicious precedent."
Van Houten, now 73, is the first Manson Family member involved in the killings to be released. She will spend about a year in transitional housing and will be on parole for approximately three years. She plans to find employment and adjust to the drastically changed world since her imprisonment.
Jay Sebring was one of the victims of the Manson Family killings in 1969. He was a prominent hairstylist in Los Angeles and had a successful career, catering to many celebrities. He was tragically killed along with victim Sharon Tate at her residence on the night of August 8, 1969.
Mr DiMaria, who is Jay Sebring’s nephew, told CNN: “I certainly have respect for Governor Newsom and the attorney general. But our families strongly, vehemently, disagree with their decision not to file an appeal.”
He said Van Houten is a “cold-blooded killer in one of the most notorious murder rampages in United States history,” and her release sets a “dangerous, pernicious precedent.”
Van Houten met Manson at an old movie ranch on the outskirts of Los Angeles where he had established his so-called “family” of followers.
She was a former high school cheerleader and homecoming princess, who saw her life spiral out of control at 14 following her parents’ divorce. She turned to drugs and became pregnant but said her mother forced her to abort the fetus and bury it in the family’s backyard.
She didn’t take part in the Tate killings but accompanied Manson and others to the LaBianca home the next night. She has described holding down Rosemary LaBianca with a pillowcase over her head as others stabbed LaBianca dozens of times.
Then, ordered by Manson follower Charles “Tex” Watson to “do something,” she said she picked up a knife and stabbed the woman more than a dozen times.
Van Houten, 71, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in counselling while in prison and led several prison programs to help rehabilitate fellow inmates. She was repeatedly recommended for parole, but two governors — first Jerry Brown and then Gavin Newsom — blocked her release.
However, she was finally freed after Newsom announced last week that he wouldn't pursue efforts to keep her behind bars.
