Helter Skelter: Charles Manson cult killer Leslie Van Houten likely to go free

Leslie Van Houten, who participated in the gruesome 1969 killing spree orchestrated by cult leader Charles Manson, is set to be paroled from prison in the coming weeks, according to her attorney's statement.

California Governor Gavin Newsom's spokesperson also verified that he would not oppose Van Houten's release.

Now 73 years old, Van Houten has served over fifty years behind bars for her involvement in two fatal stabbings carried out under Manson's orders in 1969.

"She will be released from prison on parole within the next few weeks," Van Houten's attorney, Nancy Tetreault, told AFP.

"She is, of course, thrilled, but beyond that, she is happy that her hard work at rehabilitation has been recognized by the board and court by finding that she does not currently pose a risk of danger to public safety," Tetreault added.

A spokeswoman for Newsom said he successfully reversed the granting of parole to Van Houten three times since taking office but will not do so a fourth time.

"The governor is disappointed by the Court of Appeal's decision to release Ms. Van Houten but will not pursue further action as efforts to further appeal are unlikely to succeed," spokeswoman Erin Mellon said.

The "victims' families still feel the brutal impact, as do all Californians" of the Manson Family murders in 1969, Mellon said.

Members of the Manson cult committed at least nine shocking and grisly murders in the Los Angeles area in July and August 1969 that struck dread into people all over southern California.

Among their victims was Sharon Tate, an actress and model married to director Roman Polanski.

Van Houten was convicted in the killings of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca at Manson's direction, and sentenced to death, a conviction later overturned, leading to a second trial that deadlocked, and a third trial.

Van Houten was eventually sentenced to seven years to life in prison.

The Board of Parole Hearings found Van Houten suitable for parole in 2016, 2017 and 2019 but her release was blocked in court.

A psychological evaluation of Van Houten submitted as part of her petition for parole noted that she had "a nearly spotless disciplinary record while in prison" but may face stress upon release because of her notoriety.

Tetreault said Van Houten, once free, "is considering continuing her work as an educational tutor, having earned bachelor and master degrees in prison."

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