Former Manson Family Member Released from Prison After 40 Years

Leslie Van Houten, a former member of the Manson family, has been released from prison after serving over four decades behind bars. She walked out of a California facility on Tuesday after being granted parole earlier this month. This decision comes after Governor Gavin Newsom, who had previously challenged her release three times during his tenure, announced that he would not contest it.

Conviction and Involvement

In 1971, Van Houten was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit murder for her participation in the gruesome LaBianca murders in 1969. The victims, Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, were stabbed to death in their Los Angeles home. Van Houten admitted to holding down Rosemary while someone else stabbed her and later confessed to stabbing her as well after Rosemary had died.

Rehabilitation and Low Risk

Throughout the years following her conviction, Van Houten’s attorneys argued that she was young and manipulated by her cult leader, Charles Manson, at the time of the crimes. They contended that she had undergone rehabilitation. Furthermore, her lawyers emphasized that she no longer posed a threat to society. Several parole boards agreed with these arguments and recommended her release, despite her life sentence.

Governor’s Opposition and Legal Battle

Governor Newsom consistently opposed Van Houten’s release, asserting that the severity of her crime should forever prevent her from enjoying freedom. However, after her last rejection, she appealed his decision in court, where the ruling favored her. Realizing that further resistance would be futile, the governor’s office decided to drop the case.

Now at the age of 73, Van Houten has reentered society, and her future endeavors are of great interest. Initially, she will be placed in a halfway house, where she will receive education on basic skills and familiarize herself with new technology that has emerged since her imprisonment. Over the years, Van Houten has been described as a constructive prisoner, having found faith and demonstrating a willingness to both teach and learn. She has also expressed remorse for her role in the murders.

In summary, Leslie Van Houten, a former Manson family member, has been released from prison after spending over 40 years incarcerated. Despite opposition from Governor Newsom, her parole was granted based on arguments of rehabilitation and her low risk to society. Now given a second chance at life, Van Houten will begin her reintegration into society in a controlled environment, with hopes of leading a productive and remorseful life.