ANSWERS: 53
  • From what I have heard, Leslie Van Houten is truly remorseful, has completely turned her life around, and could be a contributing member of society. I'd say "yes" to her. Patricia Krenwinkel I have heard nothing about in terms of her efforts to "reform", and Atkins, according to reports, hasn't changed much.
  • hell no!!!!!
  • If any, Van Houten would have the best chance. She was the least involved in the murders, and is the only one who's life sentence isn't an overturned death sentence. She shows remorse, has used her time to educate herself, and has stayed out of trouble. She may not be a danger to society any longer - my concern would be that once free it would be a catalyst for a campaign to release the others. Sadie, Tex and Bruce Davis all play the role of reformed Christian, but I think there is a good chance that they're faking in hopes of a release. I think there are other unsolved murders out there that these 3 refuse to discuss. Katie, I'm just not sure about her. She remains pretty quiet, expresses remorse, but her actions on those 2 nights were so brutal I don't know how she'd ever be viewed as a human being again. As for Bobby, I think he's truly reformed. He goes to parole as "Manson killer Bobby Beausoleil". He wasn't really a member of the group, he just got caught up in a nightmare bad drug deal, and then he killed in a panic to keep a wounded man from going to the police. I don't think it was planned. The testimony that turned it into a Manson plot was probably a lie. This question gets tougher every year. Most convicted murderers, especially in California, would be out by now.. the law says if eligible for parole it has to be granted if the subject is deemed to no longer be a threat. It's the Manson name that brings the media to the parole hearings. I think that's a good thing, these were brutal attacks and there were more planned if they hadn't been caught.
  • It's kinda hard to get paroled after having murdered people in cold blood and stabbed the victims repeatedly to the point of absurdity. Try convincing the judge that you are not a murdering psychopath.
  • From what I've read, Susan Atkins might not be a candidate for parole. The other two, Krenwinkle and Van Houten might be candidates for release. I saw them both on tv a couple of years ago, and they both appeared to be genuinely remorseful for what they did. They have both become educated as well. I think Leslie Van Houten will be released in the next 10-15 years (she was involved in 2 murders, not 7 like the others). Patricia Krenwinkle might be released in 15-20 years. They would both be elderly, and probably not a threat to anyone.
  • I feel both Patricia and Leslie should be paroled. Not Susan though. I have watched the media coverage of this for many years and I see no potential danger to the society at large with Patricia or Leslie being released. For god's sake or whatever higher power you refer to look around you. I am much more concerned with the revolving door that releases criminals that have not demonstrated ANY remorse. These two women, as horrid as what they did in 1969, have shown remorse and gave us all more insight into what was in play in their young lives at the time. They had the misfortune and subsequent lack of judgment to overcome the influences they were under. Disagree with me fine. Visit your local website for sexual offenders and let me know what your tolerance is for how close you want those types of folks to be to your home. Personally I have 49 sexual offenders listed within a two mile radius. I would prefer to have either Patricia or Leslie next door. If either of them were to stab me, well then I would take that over the rape of myself or my neighbors children. I think the latter is much more of threat than either of these women would present.
  • I would love to have Susan get out.we are family and I would love for her to get to know my daughter since she is her aunt. if we hadent turned our backs on her she would have stayed home with us.she went to find someone to care for her but found the wrong person instead and started to take drugs and now the rest is history. Susan I'm sorry for turning my back on you when you needed me the most.Please for giveme from your brother
  • yes I do.if it hadent been for the drugs they would have been able to know right from wrong.
  • I don't know enough about their cases, but I have heard that some of them still are in touch with Charles Manson, and they haven't really gotten over the influence that drove them to commit the horrible crimes. If that is true, then never. The might be paroled when they are elderly, and incapable of being a danger to society.
  • None of them should ever be released because of the sheer brutality of their crimes. I don't care how much they say they've changed, there was something wrong with them before they met Charlie to carry out their dirty deeds for absolutely no reason at all.
  • Judging by the number of cranckpots publishing and savouring every morsel of news about memebers of Manson gang, I think that whenever and however elderly these are paroled - they are still a danger to the society.
  • No they are cold blooded vicious killers. Even though they were young at the time they were old enough to know right from wrong and to murder a woman who was in an advanced stage of pregnancy the way that they did is incomprehensible. Also this turning to God since they have been in prison (ie Susan Atkins) is a complete mockery. What they did is beyond forgiveness, let them rot in prison and let the only way out of prison for them to be in wooden crates. Sharon Tate was a beautiful and intelligent young woman who had her whole life in front of her and her murder was cruel, senseless and monstrous.
  • No, they should not be. They are only still alive by the good fortune of having their death sentences commuted to life in prison due to the repealing of the death penalty in California. Yes, all three have furthered their educations and apparently helped other inmates through the years. That's great and commendable. However, it does not bring back the murdered victims, nor does it in any way help the surviving family/friends of those victims. Those lives were forever changed by what Atkins, Krenwinkel and Van Housen did. My opinion is that the three murderesses should live out their days in prison. I don't see any justification for allowing them to be free.
  • Never, do you? It doesn't matter if some of them are remorseful, they did the crime, they acted like absolute drugged out freaks for that madman Manson, keep them where they are, him too
  • you know, i agree and disagree with letting these women out from jail. In a way, they may seem like they are not a threat to society just because they're old, but did you guys read up on the old retired couples who were serial killers?!? it's unthinkable! I think that susan and patricia seem still a lil brainwashed, and with such a horrific murder, i think it sticks with them, and they could be capable of harming society maybe not in a physical way, but maybe mental..like carrying on charles manson's crazy ideas. I dunno, i guess i am kinda leaning on keeping them in jail. I mean, you must be a crazy biotch to stab someone even 10 times, and they did way more..my arm would be tired lol
  • No, they should not be paroled. These people were sentenced to death and are only alive by the grace of God and the Supreme Court. They didn't get life without parole because that didn't exist in California at that time. I don't believe in the death penalty but people who crimes such as these should never walk free again. It's not about rehabilitation. It's about punishment.
  • No, and their sentences shouldn't have been commuted, either. It's totally unjust that they took the lives of other people and got to keep their own.
  • NO! absolutly not this crime was brutal , evil , sick they need to remain right where they are in prison , if sharon tate and the other victims can't have their lives back then why should they , im sorry but no one told them to follow that sick insane beast loser manson ,no one forced those drugs in them , if they had stayed home , went to school , did as they where told ,respected their family, their society , they would not be where they are right now would they ? and sharon tate would have had the chance to have her baby , raise it, live a long happy life and die peacefully in her bed and the others too , but instead their lives were taken from them NO POROLE EVER ! you did the crime so do all your time no pity from me , they killed and if they can't bring their lives back and we know they can't , im just so heartbroken for those victims ,what a tragic thing to go through NOPE! PAROLE, I SAY NO WAY
  • Never,Ever!! As for Atkins currently being ill (hospitalized) I hope that whatever it is, she suffers the most excruciating, unrelenting pain that one can imagine. Incidentally, these three molls were all 'Plain Jane' misfits in 1969 and now at 'Granny' age, simply look like tired, worn out old hags ready for the glue factory. Give 'em a needle and take them out the back door or just let them wither into the most horrible looking prune faced witches that you could ever imagine. At least these motley slags have never (hopefully) 'dropped their load' and 'popped out' another piece of vermin created in their very own 'deadbeat/loser' likeness.
  • A MOTHER IS BEGGING FOR THE LIFE NOT OF HERSELF ANYMORE, BUT FOR THE LIFE OF HER UNBORN SON. NO MERCY WAS SHOWN TO THAT POOR LADY OR BABY. I HOPE SUSAN ATKINS IS SUFFERING A SLOW, PAINFUL DEATH AND I HOPE ALL OF THEM ROT IN JAIL FOR THE REST OF THEIR PATHETIC LIVES. HOW DARE THEY ARE STILL LIVING.
  • No, they should have been executed along with Charlie.
  • I'm editing my answer because I just read Helter skelter again. NO, they shouldn't!!
  • Susan Atkins- Yes. She has only a few months to live and can't even move. She is not even in a prison cell as we speak. Leslie Van Houten- Yes. She has served forty years for aiding a murder and post-mortem stabbing. She has served her time, considering SEVERAL other murderers have been released for serving FAR less time. She is now merely a political prisoner. Krenwinkel- Probably not.
  • Absolutely not. Had the death penalty been in effect at the time, it wouldn't even be an issue.
  • The Manson Girls Next Door? I don't think so. Unless you want to move them into Hef's Mansion and give them a reality show.
  • No, I do not. They knew exactly what they were doing, I don't care how long they rot in prison, they should be there til death.
  • Yes, I do. Susan Atkins is dying of brain cancer and is in a coma. Let her family have the remaining short time she has to be with her. The lack of compassion in our hate filled culture is horrendous. Oh and yes, I had a family member murdered so I do know how it feels. People we must find and display forgiveness or what will we have to say when we answer to God? I am NOT saying let all prisoners out, far from it, but do you honestly think these women at their ages are a danger? I hardly think so.
  • yep. if only to make the news a little more interesting. You'll be hounded by weirdos and media till you die anyway. You think they're gonna re-offend? I guess some people are a little more into vengence than me.
  • I don't really understand HOW they can be up for parole ever. Didn't they get the death penalty anyway? Whatever, I think they should be allowed to stay right where they are for the rest of their lives. I've read about the things they did and there's no way these women should be free.
  • No! Why is parole even being discussed? No matter their age they were given a death sentence and then LIFE in prison. Is there a clause somewhere that states, once elderly and/or ill, this murderer should be set free? Look at Kenneth McDuff, he was released after being put on death row. Granted he wasn't elderly but he continued to murder. I honestly believe for someone to commit an act such as these women did that no matter how remorseful they claim to be,they will ever be "fit" to return to society. Their psyche has to be off. Their act was so horrible I can't imagine that they could ever be considered human again. I do pray for their souls.
  • yes with a GPS around there ankle
  • yes with a GPS ankle brase
  • No-They were all supposed to have been executed. There sentences were only commuted because the courts through out the existing capital punishment rules at the time.
  • No. What they did was so evil, so savage, that society can't take the chance of ever releasing them.
  • This is a complicated legal and moral issue. First, let me say that I agree that Leslie should be paroled. Most people believe that Leslie was there during the Sharon Tate murders- she was not. I have SEVERAL reasons why she should be paroled, but I'm not going to list them all, as I don't want to put anyone to sleep. Just saying "keep those murderers locked up" is an acknowledgement to not knowing much about Leslie's involvement, nor about the case. Some of you may think that I support Manson or his beliefs right now, but let me say that I IN NO WAY SHAPE OR FORM CONDONE MANSON. The man is clearly a mental patient, with clear psychological disturbances. Here are some reasons that Leslie should be paroled. 1. A life sentence is 20 years- Leslie has spent nearly 40 years behind bars. Some are saying she was given the death penalty-which was originally true-however in 1977 she won a retrial and was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole after 7 years. THAT is the sentence she is serving. Thirty nine years is almost double the time that most murderes spend behind bars. To put someone in there for 40 years, we trivialize the families of other victims, whose killers may have been behind bars for 15-20 years. It is a smack in the face. That is an important legal issue. She has done double that. For all of you that say "keep them locked up- you give me ONE- just ONE- person who has done 40 years in prison and can tell me that is not enough time, and I will withdrawl my argument. I have been in jail for 4 days, and I am telling you right now, jail is NO place to be. I cant even begin to fathom 40 years. 2. Leslie Van Houten did take a life. That is tragic and I will never belittle that. However, behind bars, she has counseled inmates with drug problems, gang, cult problems, and in this, she has also SAVED lives. At some point, as human beings, we have to believe in redemption. If there is no redemption, we are all doomed. I believe in second chances, and everyone reading this at some point has had a second chance, and been greatful for it. Remember- the ONLY incident of violence that Miss Van Houten has ever been charged with was in 1969. She has been a model inmate for 35 years with an impecable record and has met all terms of her parole. So why should we keep changing the rules? When you say "keep them in jail," who are you talking about- Leslie or Manson? She has met all terms and conditions of her parole- and has served DOUBLE her time. Imagine going to a casino and at a blackjack table you get 21, and the dealer tells you they bust at 20 on this table. That is what the parole board is doing to Leslie. 3.Her age. Leslie is not going to get out and start writing Manson. All four (Tex, Susan, Pat and Leslie) denounced Manson back in the 70's. Those who have done evaluations on Leslie say that she is "little or no threat to society," which in prison, that is the best review you can get. Why are my tax dollars paying to shelter rehabilitated criminals? It's at least $42,000 per year, per one inmate. If there was a posable threat that is one thing, but the prison is saying she is NOT a threat. One of the reasons that criminals are so hardened, is that the prisons are more concerned with punishment than rehabilitation. 4. The actual fatal wounds on Mrs. La Bianca were inflicted by Tex Watson, and Leslie's wounds were inflicted post mortem. This is shown by testimony as well as physical evidence. This is more an acccomplice issue than an actual murderer. I'm sure with Tex and Susan (who were completely out of their minds) she would have been afraid to stop anything, for fear for her own life. She was relunctant to do anything, but was demanded by Tex to stab her, because Manson wanted everyone's hands dirty. 5. Think about this-if I'm a prisoner with the possibility for parole-and see a model prisoner of 35 years not getting parole-what good does it do me to be a good inmate? It sets a bad precedent to the other inmates with parole hopes to keep denying someone who has met terms for 30 years.
  • Yes, with large prescriptions of Thorazine.
  • By accounts from her husband, Susan Atkins can barley sit up in a bed, has one leg, and forms three sentences a day. She is in a hospital, which is where she would be if she were released. Her family is allowed to visit her. What is the point?
  • These women, actually guilty, or not (in the case of the one, for indirect or non participation.) All made choices in their lives. They allowed themselves to be lead off by their noses and involved themselves with a man that they HAD to of known was a degenerate and a rather evil human being. They lived with him, they ate with him and they had sex with him, all of them! Even if not involved, they were still a part of it, they listened to it and they somehow in someway, just for being there at all, approved of it in that they approved of him. They were supposed to die but as you know, they changed the laws before that could happen. So If they should get out or not, should not even be an issue here. They sealed their own fates in that if it were me, the very first indication that I got, that anyone were involved in that extreme of hate against innocent people... I would have removed myself from the situation and the end result of the situation at the same time LONG before anything ever had a chance to happen in the first place.
  • Yes, as soon as they restore Abigail Folger and Sharon Tate and the others to life then they can be released.
  • probably
  • Yes I do. They were brainwashed and manipulated by Charles Manson. Now that they have broken away form Manson and "the family" they have rehabilitated. They feel remorse for what they have done and they are model inmates. Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten are even counsellors for drug addiction within the prison. What the did was horrific but they have paid the price. They have to live with their actions for the rest of their lives. Had it not been for Manson these three ladies would not have committed these crimes. They too are victims of Manson.
  • I think they should never be parolled. On one hand it sickens me that they even have that possibility on the other I hope that they look forward to the possibility only for that to be denied time and time again. What they did was horrific and the fact that they only showed remorse years later when the death penatly was abolished shows me they only say they have remorse in hopes of getting out. The hunted innocent victims and killed them for reasons stemming from Charles Manson philosphy of Helter Skelter!!! They have to pay the consequences for their crimes and that is life in prison.
  • No Parole for any of them ever! As for Van Houten,she knew full well what their assigned task was-to kill. She knew what her buddies did the previous night.She wanted the excitement,the experience.She helped Krenwinkle subdue MsBianca as she was fighting for her life after MsBianca heard the death screams of her husband as Tex was stabbing him with a bayonet.She helped Krenwinkle beat MsBianca to the floor and held MsBianca down as Krenwinkle stabbed her again and again and got a few licks in herself with a large carving fork. Yeah,Van Houten's guilty as hell of murder too,not just an accomplice as her admirers paint it. They weren't on drugs either. Manson wanted them clear headed,not drugged out.At the first trial VanHouten laughed and snickered with the other girls. Not so funny anymore is it,asshole. What's really sick are all these little people who feel sorry for these scum-"oh well,it's been a long time ago now and..well they've found Jesus..and the law says this or that.. and they were young..they've been good in prison" Bullshit.No PAROLE EVER.
  • Have you ever seen the video clips of their parole interviews? None of these people take any responsibility, show any remorse or apologize to the families of their victims for their actions. I don't care if any of them have served more time in the CDC system than any other person convicted of the same crimes. The crimes they committed were heinous. They should be released from CDC custody when their victims are released from the hell these people put them through. I am not just speaking of the ones they killed, but also of the families of their victims.
  • It is a waste of money to keep them incarcerated at their age but they will never be paroled
  • So many are harsh on Susan Atkins (which you should be.) Pat Krenwrinkle killed more people and was more of the ring leader. Manson said that Pat was his exact image. As far as Leslie goes, according to Tex Watson's autobiography (he has nothing to gain by this) said that when Leslie entered the house, he "could tell by he look on Leslie's face that she wasnt ready for what was about to happen," and that she "looked into an empty room while Pat and I stabbed Rosemary LaBianca," she was then handed a knife and was told to "do something." She stabbed Rosemary 14 times. While stabbing a dead body is by NO means a noble act, 40 years in jail is more than enough time for this. If you dont think so, let me ask you this-have you ever been to jail? I did 10 days for young and stupid stuff, and i will tell you-jail is NO place to be. The state of California is bankrupt and shouldnt be paying to house her. She is in jail because of her association with Manson. If you dont think she killed Rosemary La Bianca, dont you think IF Mrs La bianca survived 27 previously inflicted stab wounds she would have bled to death? Leslie did NOT kill Rosemary La Bianca. She did enter with intent, and mutulated a dead corpse, but has done her time for these crimes and has reformed and has shown remorse. Any one else that would have done these crimes would have been paroled 20 years ago. I do feel sorry for the La Bianca family, however, when they didnt go to ANY of Leslie's parole hearings for over 30 years, how do you show up this late in the game and state your greviances? Leslie should have been paroled 10 years ago-right around the time when the LaBianca relatives decided to show up.
  • anyone that believes they should be paroled - well, "moron" comes to mind. They should not be allowed to have one minute of happiness, freedom, or enjoyment before they head to rot in hell. And anyone that believes they are remorseful, again... "MORON" - anyone can be a model inmate and say all the the right things, but who cares if you're a model inmate - it's what you did BEFORE you were incarcerated that matters - once in jail you're putting on a show. No amount of drugs or "hypnosis" could make me do something so evil - EVER. And anyone that thinks these people acted while being coerced by Manson - well, think again. They acted of their own free will - EVIL people. ROT IN HELL.
  • I think they should be paroled in Afghanistan. Let them see how women are treated over there. I would be fitting that they live the rest of their lives in complete misery.
  • never heard of them
  • The ONLY one that deserves parole is Leslie> This was one of the worst crimes of the 20th century, I agree. But when you look at individual responsibility and individual roles, Leslie has been in jail about 20 years longer than she should have been. She was an accomplice to murder, and stabbed a dead body. While this is by no means a noble act, It does not constitute 39 years in jail, especially with a perfect prison record. The max she should have gotten was 18 years-by California law. And that is even throwing in an obstruction of justice charge, because she wiped down the house for fingerprints. We could throw in another 6 months for theft, as she took a piece of chocolate and milk from the fridge. That was her role at the LaBianca home, she didn't kill seven people like the others did. The autopsy revealed that Tex inflicted the fatal wounds. If you dont believe that, let me ask you this-Rosemary was stabbed 27 times before Leslie started to stab her-now, anyone with half a brain knows that if you are stabbed 27 times with a bayonet and you arent dead, you are going to bleed to death. Tex, Susan and Pat should NOT be set free. Leslie has also been seen as the most likely to see parole. Google California law- see what the max penalties for accomplice to murder (10 yrs) and mutilating a dead corpse (8 years.) But what if this happened to one of my family members you ask? I would be hurt, upset, no doubt. I have a Christian background, and I think after time I would heal and forgive. I would also be at her first parole hearing. The La Biancas showed up at Leslie's 12th. It was in 1999, THIRTY YEARS after the murders. How do you not show up for thirty years and them come out of nowhere and file your grievances?? I truly am sorry for what happened to them-but you show up 30 years later?? Bottom line, Leslie should have been paroled years ago. And if you think she was at the Tate home, don't even reply to this. We can't let how we feel about a crime deter us from what the law states. And the financially melted down state of California is still paying to imprison her, why? To carry on a 40 year old vandetta. What do the victims failies gain by keeping Leslie in there? Patty Tate was asked that question in 1995 on a Larry King interview (once again, she was there, not the LaBiancas) and she COULD NOT answer that question. If you think Leslie should still be in jail then start sending the state of California a check. Every psych report since 1982 has said she is little or no threat to society. FREE LESLIE
  • LESLIE VAN HOUTEN SHOULD BE PAROLED
  • Interesting to note that "squeaky frome (sp)" was recently released from prison, but i guess she only tried to kill the president...

Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC

Answerbag | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy