California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday reversed a parole board recommendation that the youngest of Charles Manson’s murderous “family” of followers be released early from prison. Newsom said in a written decision that he was concerned that Leslie Van Houten, who was 19 at the time of the killings, has the potential for future violence. Van Houten, 69, is serving a life in prison at the California Institute for Women in Corona for her role in the cult’s 1969 killing spree. January’s decision by the parole board capped the latest of 22 attempts by Van Houten to persuade the panel that she be deemed suitable for release. Newsom’s reversal marks the third time that a California governor has overruled a parole board recommendation on Van Houten.

Source: National Post June 04, 2019 02:37 UTC