Leslie Van Houten Up For Parole; Sharon Tate’s Sister Incensed

Leslie Van Houten, a member of the “Manson Family,” is up for parole much to the dismay of slain actress Sharon Tate’s sister Debra Tate.

Leslie Van Houten Parole

Charles Manson follower Van Houten was recommended for parole following a five-hour hearing in Chino, Calif., last week. Aged 19 in 1969, she was a part of the group of Manson cult members who murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife Rosemary LaBianca. Van Houten was not directly involved in the murder of Sharon Tate, who was pregnant at the time of her death at age 26.

Debra Tate, who believes that the Manson cult members still present a danger to society, fears what precedent it would set for others involved in Helter Skelter if Van Houten were to be granted parole.

“This is a slippery slope and it’s going to be all of our problems because six months on parole and they’re free to go anywhere in the United States,” Tate said on Good Morning America. “It’s not just California’s problem. It’s the United States’ problem. These people are domestic terrorists and when they’re released they can go anywhere in the United States. Parole isn’t even the catch-net. We have to stop this before it happens.”

Van Houten further stated her belief that Van Houten is a “monster” who is “still capable of great brutality.” She added, “I sit as far away from her as you and I are now. You can feel the vibe.”

“They are still sociopathic individuals and capable of great brutality. The heinous crimes that were committed in the past, in 1969, will repeat themselves again. I am quite sure,” Tate went on. “Your heart sinks between your knees. It’s absolutely mind-boggling what goes through your mind. All of the atrocities from the past, the brutalities all come flooding back.”

Now that Van Houten has been recommended for parole, her case will go to an administrative review. Should it be upheld, California Gov. Jerry Brown will have the final say. Earlier this year, Brown denied the parole recommendation for Bruce Davis, another Manson acolyte, giving Tate hope for a similar result for Van Houten.