California Governor Drops Appeal, Manson Follower Leslie Van Houten to be Released

California Governor Gavin Newsom has decided not to appeal the parole of Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten, who has served 53 years in prison for her involvement in two murders. Van Houten could be released in about two weeks after the parole board reviews her record. Despite the disappointment of the victims' families, a state appeals court ruled in May that Van Houten should be released, citing her rehabilitative efforts and remorse. After her release, Van Houten will spend a year in a halfway house to learn basic life skills.