Charles Manson Follower Leslie Van Houten Nears Parole, Closer to Freedom

California Governor Gavin Newsom has decided not to block the parole of Leslie Van Houten, a follower of Charles Manson, who has served 53 years in prison for her involvement in the infamous 1969 murders of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca. Van Houten, now in her 70s, could be released in about two weeks after the parole board reviews her record. Despite being recommended for parole five times since 2016, previous governors rejected her release. However, a state appeals court ruled in May that Van Houten should be freed, citing her rehabilitative efforts and remorse. After her release, she will spend a year in a halfway house to learn basic life skills.