In this blog, we will learn more about Leslie Louise Van Houten. She used to be part of the Manson Family and was found guilty of murder.
We’ll talk about her husband, how much money she has, her family if she’s been released, her height, ethnicity, date of birth, and her time in prison. Come along as we find out interesting things about her life.
Who is Leslie Van Houten?
Leslie Louise Van Houten, an American former member of the Manson Family and a convicted killer, was born on August 23, 1949. When she was involved with Manson’s group, she was known by various names like Louella Alexandria, Leslie Marie Sankston, Linda Sue Owens, and Lulu.
Leslie Van Houten Height, DOB, Ethnicity
Leslie Van Houten is currently 74 years old in 2023. She was born on August 23, 1949, in the United States. Standing at a height of 5 feet 5 inches and weighing 68 kg, Leslie has black eyes and brown hair.
Leslie Van Houten Education
During her school years, she tried out drugs like LSD, Benzedrine, and hashish at a young age. Although she ran away for a short time, she came back and finished high school. After learning about yoga and completing a one-year secretarial course, she fully enjoyed her lifestyle and lived in a commune.
In 1967, she successfully graduated from Monrovia High School in Monrovia, California.
Leslie Van Houten Family
Leslie Houten’s parents were Paul Van Houten and Jane (nee Edwards). Coming from a middle-class background, she grew up in a churchgoing family with her older brother.
Additionally, she had two adopted siblings, a brother, and a sister, who were of Korean descent. When Leslie was 14 years old, her parents divorced, which was a significant change in her family.
Leslie Van Houten Husband
Leslie Louise is currently married. Her spouse’s name is William Syvin. No information is available about any known affairs or romantic relationships.
Her Pregnancy
At the age of 17, Leslie Houten found herself pregnant. Her mother instructed her to have an abortion and bury the aborted fetus in their backyard. This traumatic experience created an emotional distance between Leslie and her mother.
Leslie Van Houten: Living Under Manson’s Control
In the summer of 1968, Leslie Louise found herself in a Northern California community. There, she met Catherine Share and Bobby Beausoleil, and they lived together with another woman. But, they broke apart because of jealous arguments. Catherine later joined Charles Manson’s group, and Leslie followed her.
Under Manson’s influence, he controlled their lives strictly, even deciding their daily routines, like eating, sleeping, and sex, as well as how much LSD they took. Van Houten and others got deeply into the drug’s effect.
By August 1968, Manson and his followers settled at the Spahn Ranch. Manson’s repetitive lectures dominated mealtimes. Van Houten felt a strong connection to Bobby, following Manson’s attitude.
During Van Houten’s release hearing in 2013, Barbara Hoyt said she was seen as a “leader” in the Manson Family.
Leslie Van Houten Released
Leslie Van Houten, once part of the Manson Family and convicted of murder, has been released from a California prison on parole. She was serving a life sentence for her role in the 1969 killings of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca.
Despite past parole recommendations, California governors had blocked her release. But a court ruling in May opened the way for her parole, which Governor Gavin Newsom’s office accepted without challenge.
People have mixed feelings about this decision. Some victim family members disagree and worry. Van Houten’s attorney says she feels sorry and takes full responsibility for her crime.
After 53 years in custody, she’ll join a housing program and look for work. Some think her release sets a dangerous example, while others believe she’s no longer a threat to society.
Leslie Van Houten Net Worth
Leslie Van Houten’s net worth is estimated to be around $12 million. However, her salary information is not known.
Information Table
Here is the full information about Leslie Van Houten, Husband, Net Worth, Family, Released, Height, Ethnicity, Date of Birth, Prison, Pregnant, and other information.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Leslie Louise Van Houten |
| Date of Birth | August 23, 1949 |
| Age | 75 years old in 2024 |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christian |
| Aliases | Louella Alexandria, Leslie Marie Sankston, Linda Sue Owens, Lulu |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches |
| Weight | 68 kg |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Family | Parents: Paul Van Houten, Jane (nee Edwards)
Siblings: An older brother and two adopted siblings (of Korean descent) |
| Education | Graduated from Monrovia High School in 1967
Completed a year-long secretarial course, had an interest in yoga |
| Husband | William Syvin (Marital Status: Married) |
| Pregnancy | Became pregnant at 17, underwent abortion as instructed by mother |
| Prison | Former member of the Manson Family
Convicted for involvement in the murders of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca Released from prison on parole after serving 53 years |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be $12 million |
Some Lesser Known Facts About Leslie Van Houten
- Leslie Van Houten was born on August 23, 1949, in Altadena, California.
- She joined the Manson Family at the age of 19 and became one of Charles Manson’s followers.
- Van Houten was involved in the notorious Tate-LaBianca murders that occurred in August 1969.
- In 2023, after serving 53 years in custody, Van Houten was released from prison on parole.
FAQs
Who is Leslie Van Houten?
Leslie Van Houten is a former member of the Manson Family, a cult led by Charles Manson, and a convicted murderer.
What crimes was Leslie Van Houten convicted of?
Van Houten was convicted for her involvement in the murders of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, which took place in August 1969. If you would like to learn more about similar cases of convicted murderers, be sure to check out our article about AJ Armstrong.
How long was Leslie Van Houten in prison?
Van Houten served approximately 53 years in prison before being released on parole in 2023.
What was Leslie Van Houten’s role in the Manson Family?
As a member of the Manson Family, Van Houten took part in the cult’s illegal actions, like Charles Manson’s murders.
How old was Leslie Van Houten when she joined the Manson Family?
Van Houten was 19 years old when she became involved with the Manson Family.
What led to Leslie Van Houten’s release on parole?
Van Houten was given release after a state appeals court ruled in her favor in May. Before that, she had been denied multiple times.
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