For the 19th time, Leslie Van Houten, a convicted killer and former follower of Charles Manson, was denied parole and told her freedom could be considered once more in three years.

Van Houten, who is now 60 years old, was convicted of murder and conspiracy for her role in the 1969 murders of Leno and Rosemary La Bianca when she was 19. Manson's followers killed actress Sharon Tate and four others the previous night. A state Parole Board on Wednesday denied her 19th try at parole.

Van Houten read from a prepared statement during the hearing and apologized to the family of her victims.

She is the youngest of the defendants and has long been commended for her behavior behind bars. According to reports, she participates in self-help groups, tutors other prisoners, and has earned college degrees.

“People can and do change,” said her attorney, Brandie Devall.

However, according to Parole Board Chairman Robert Doyle, Van Houten is not yet suitable for parole because she had failed to gain complete insight into her crime and its motivation.

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