Grandson of Manson murder victims speaks out about possible parole
LOS ANGELES -- A California parole panel made the surprising move Thursday to recommend parole for Leslie Van Houten, a former Manson family member and convicted killer.
Van Houten took part in the 1969 murder of Leno LaBianca, a Los Feliz grocer, and his wife Rosemary. Van Houten stabbed Rosemary 14 times. The La Biancas were chosen by the Manson family at random.
"It's kind of surreal, to be honest with you, the whole thing," Tony LaMontagne, the LaBiancas' grandson, told CBS Los Angeles.
LaMontagne described the moment he learned Van Houten was recommended for parole. He said every parole hearing has been an emotional roller coaster.
"So yesterday, I get off of the phone from the parole hearing, and the first thing I do is lay down on my couch and start bawling. It's just a flood of emotions," he says.
LaMontagne said the panel's decision sent shockwaves through his family.
"What type of decision has the parole board actually made? They're making a decision to allow a murderer to come back into your neighborhood, my neighborhood. Last time they were in my neighborhood, they killed my family," he said.
Through a gut-wrenching saga, LaMontagne says the stories of the victims like his grandparents have been lost. Leno LaBianca was growing his business when he and wife were killed.
"I've grown up my entire life with this as part of my family. Hearing stories from my grandmother," LaMontagne said, before being overcome with emotion. "Sorry."
LaMontagne said as he as gotten older, he's made a sobering realization.
"My grandfather was 44 years old. His wife was 38. I'm 44. So, I grew up with these stories about how my grandfather was an old man. He had lived a long life. That would be like if I were to die right now," he said.
The panel's decision will be reviewed by the parole board. California Gov. Jerry Brown will have the final say on Van Houten's bid for freedom.
LaMontagne and his family said they will fight to keep her locked up.