Short-lived love: Who is Leslie Van Houten’s ex-husband William Syvin?

Former cult member Leslie Van Houten was released from prison in July 2023 after spending five decades behind bars.

Followers of the notorious case want to know more about the convicted murderer's ex-husband.

Who is Leslie Van Houten's ex-husband William Syvin?

Leslie Van Houten was previously married to fellow prisoner, William Syvin.

The pair tied the knot while in jail on August 23, 1982, but ended their marriage only two months later on October 26, 1982.

The reason behind their divorce is still unclear.

What was Leslie Van Houten charged with?

Convicted murderer and former “follower” of Manson's cult family, Leslie Van Houten, is known by various aliases such as Louella Alexandria, Leslie Marie Sankston, Linda Sue Owens, and Lulu.

In 1969, during her time in San Francisco, she met Catherine Share and Bobby Beausoleil, an aspiring musician. All three moved to southern California in 1969 and linked up with a 35-year-old musician named Charles Manson.

Van Houten, who was 19 at the time, became entranced with Manson and completely cut off communication with her family.

She, along with others, became part of the Manson Family and reportedly lived at the Spahn Ranch in the California desert.

That same year, Van Houten was jailed for helping Manson and other followers kill Leno LaBianca, a grocer in Los Angeles, and his wife, Rosemary.

She was instructed by Manson to enter the couple’s home and murder them, alongside Tex Watson and Patricia Krenwinkel.

Van Houten was arrested and charged shortly after and cooperated with authorities about the LaBianca murder.

In 1970, she was found guilty of the LaBianca murder and initially sentenced to death but it was commuted to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

However, on May 30, 2023, a California appeals court said she should be released from prison on parole.

According to TMZ, Van Houten was released on July 11, 2023.

How old is Leslie Van Houten now?

Van Outen was born in Altadena, California, on August 23, 1949.

As of July 2023, she is 73 years old.