The appellate court’s ruling reverses an earlier decision by Gov. Gavin Newsom, who rejected parole for Van Houten in 2020.
A California appeals court ruled on 30/05/2023, that Leslie Van Houten, a follower of cult leader Charles Manson, should be paroled. This decision reverses the rejection of her parole by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2020. Van Houten had been recommended for parole five times since 2016, but all those recommendations were turned down by Newsom or former Governor Jerry Brown.
Van Houten, now in her 70s, is serving a life sentence for her involvement in the 1969 murders of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, committed under Manson’s influence. At the time of the killings, Van Houten was just 19 years old. The appellate court’s ruling is a significant development in a long-running case, though it remains possible that Newsom may appeal the decision to the California Supreme Court.
In its decision, the court criticized Newsom’s argument that Van Houten posed a continued danger to society, stating that there was no supporting evidence for his conclusions. It noted that Van Houten had explained in her parole hearings how her vulnerable state, due to personal issues like her parents’ divorce, substance abuse, and a forced abortion, made her susceptible to Manson’s manipulation.
The judges emphasized her rehabilitation efforts, citing her insight, remorse, and positive institutional reports. They also pointed out that Van Houten had successfully participated in therapy and substance abuse programs over many years, addressing the factors that contributed to her earlier violent behavior.
The ruling questioned the validity of Newsom’s claim that Van Houten had not made sufficient progress in these areas. The court stated that Van Houten’s record showed she had taken significant steps toward rehabilitation and no longer posed a risk to society.
The decision represents a challenge to the governor’s power over parole decisions and could have broader implications for parole policies in California. However, it remains to be seen whether further legal action will delay or prevent her release.
