Van Houten, a Charles Manson follower convicted in two killings, was released from a California prison on Tuesday, July 11, after a staggering 53 years behind bars.
The appeals court freed the 73-year-old on parole.
Charles Manson Follower Van Houten Freed on Parole
Decades ago, the Manson Family cult plunged the nation into terror with their nightmarish spree of murders. Van Houten, a once-devoted member of this cult, was involved in a brutal slaying. As per a report by BBC, Houten, 73, faced a life in prison sentence in 1971 for her role in the murders of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca in Los Angeles. At the time of the gruesome crime, she was only 19.
But in May, an appeals court ruled that the infamous Manson follower was eligible for parole. And as such, the latest ruling reverses the previous decisions, which rejected parole.
According to NBC News, California Gov. Gavin Newsom previously blocked the parole efforts of Houten. But with the new ruling by the appeals court, he has yet to make plans to bring the battle to the state Supreme Court. He notes that further appeal is less likely to be successful. It is worth noting that previous California governors have rejected Houten's release.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation disclosed that Houten has been "released to parole supervision." In its latest statement, it further explained that an appeals court has reversed "the original conviction and death sentence" of Houten, noting that "she was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole."
Victims' Relatives Denounces Van Houten's Release
Fox News Online reports that the daughter of Leno LaBianca, Cory LaBianca, finds the latest ruling re-traumatizing.
Cory shares, "My family and I are heartbroken because [we are ] once again reminded of all the years that we have not had my father and my stepmother with us." She further adds that her children and grandchildren never had to chance to meet the late Leno, leaving "a huge void" for their family.
Meanwhile, another relative of one of the Manson Family victims back in the 60s slams Houten's release as a failure of the parole system.
Kate Martley, the cousin of Gary Hinman, which the Manson followers tortured and killed in 1969, expressed her disappointment. She stresses, "Every governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger has rescinded the paroles of the Manson murderers."
However, Martley adds, "Gov. Newsom let the judicial system override his parole power." She pointed out that this would impact not only them but the victims' families. It would also affect those who are fighting against the Manson killers.
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