California Governor Newsom Drops Appeal, Leslie Van Houten Set for Release

California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that he will not appeal a ruling allowing the release of former Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten, who has served 53 years in prison for her involvement in two infamous murders. Newsom's office had previously blocked Van Houten's parole three times, but an appeals court overturned their decision. Van Houten could be released in about two weeks after the parole board reviews her record and processes the necessary paperwork. Her attorney stated that she will spend about a year in a halfway house to learn basic life skills before fully reintegrating into society.