Charles Manson Family Member Denied Parole by Governor Newsom
California Governor Gavin Newsom blocked a parole attempt for Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten. Newsom reversed a parole board’s recommendation that Van Houten be freed after spending a half-century in prison.
According to Newsom, Van Houten “currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if released from prison at this time.” This marks the fifth time that a California governor has rejected Van Houten’s release.
Van Houten’s attorney, Rich Pfeiffer, disputed that view and claims he will appeal the decision. Pfeiffer claims Newsom rejected parole because he’s worried about his “political future” and noted that Van Houten has a perfect disciplinary record in prison. Pfeiffer stated that “We’re not fighting (over) Leslie being a good person. She’s proven that through her actions for half a century.”
Van Houten is serving a life sentence for helping Manson and others carry out the murders of Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary, in 1969. Van Houten was 19 years old at the time. The gruesome murder involved fatally stabbing the LaBiranca’s and smearing blood on the walls.
This marks Van Houten’s 21st parole hearing since 1982. Five panels have recommended her release since 2016 saying that she has expressed remorse and is no longer a threat to public safety.
Charles Manson died in 2017 of natural causes while serving a life sentence in California state prison.
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