Family of Sharon Tate fighting to stop Manson devotee's release: 'That is a vicious individual'

The sister of slain actress Sharon Tate is in California's state capitol, opposing the parole recommendation of former Manson family member Leslie Van Houten.

Read: 'Under His Spell.' Charles Manson Follower Breaks Her Silence After 45 Years Behind Bars

Debra Tateand others carried a petition containing 140,000 opposing Van Houten's release, which was approved in April. She was convicted in 1971 for her role in the Charles Manson-led killing spree that kept Los Angeles on edge back in 1969.

Van Houten testified to repeatedly stabbing Rosemary LaBianca, the wife of grocer Leo LaBianca.

Both were massacred in their Los Feliz home in 1969, one night after members of the Manson family slaughtered Sharon Tate, who was eight months pregnant, and four others staying at her home.

Learn more about the infamous Manson family's crime spree:

Read: Woman Found Stabbed To Death Near Manson Slayings Is ID'd After Nearly 50 Years

"Can you imagine plunging a knife back forth 16 times into somebody's body? That is a vicious individual," Tate said in Sacramento, where she and members of the LaBianca family have carried a petition asking Gov. Jerry Brown to deny Van Houten's parole.

Tate and others have been sitting outside Brown's office, hoping for a few minutes of his time to explain why Van Houten should not go free.

So far, there has been no meeting.

"[Brown] needs to look into the eyes of the people who these crimes have affected," he said.

Watch: Sharon Tate's Sister: Manson Family Member Up For Parole Is Injustice