Leslie Van Houten, the youngest member of the so-called ‘Charles Manson Family’, has been granted parole after spending over four decades in custody.
A two-person parole board ruled that Van Houten, now aged 68, is no longer a threat to society. Her release now hinges on the decision of California Governor Jerry Brown.
Van Houten was a troubled teen aged just 19 when she became involved with Charles Manson. Under his influence, Van Houten had an active role in the killings of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca.
During her parole hearing, Van Houten spoke about the events, saying that “I feel absolutely horrible about it, and I have spent most of my life trying to find ways to live with it”.
Governor Brown will issue a final ruling on Van Houten’s bid for freedom in the near future.