Parole Hearing for Manson Follower

The Associated Press/June 5, 2002

San Bernadino, Calif. -- A judge ordered a new parole hearing for former Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten, saying her good behavior behind bars should be considered.

Superior Court Judge Bob N. Krug also suggested Monday that the state Board of Prison Terms provide further guidance on other things she can do to earn her freedom.

The judge said last month that the board had not given specific reasons for denying parole to Van Houten, who was convicted of a double slaying in the 1960s.

The state board has rejected parole for Van Houten 13 times, most recently in June 2000. Board members said she could benefit from further therapy in prison.

A new parole review was scheduled for later this month, a spokesman for the state prison system said.

Van Houten's lawyer, Christie Webb, declined to comment, saying she wanted to discuss the decision with her client first.

Van Houten, now 52, was a teen-ager when she was convicted in the slayings of Leno and Rosemary La Bianca. She was a part of the Charles Manson cult that also murdered pregnant actress Sharon Tate and four others in the summer of 1969 - one of California's most notorious crimes.