Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that he would not fight a state appeals court ruling that granted Van Houten parole.
Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten, 70s, has been released from prison after serving 53 years behind bars.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said Van Houten "was released to parole supervision" in the early morning hours on Tuesday, according to AP.
Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that he would not fight a state appeals court ruling that granted Van Houten parole just days before her release.
Now in her 70s, Van Houten, who was involved in the notorious Manson murders, was sentenced to life for her role in the brutal killings of Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary, in August 1969. The LaBiancas were brutally murdered in their home, and their blood was smeared on the walls as a gruesome aftermath.
Van Houten admitted to restraining Rosemary with a pillowcase over her head while others stabbed her, and she herself stabbed the woman multiple times.
These murders took place the day after Manson's followers carried out the killings of actress Sharon Tate and four others, although Van Houten did not participate in those particular crimes.
In July 2020, Van Houten was deemed suitable for parole in a hearing, but Governor Newsom intervened, believing she still posed a threat to society. Van Houten appealed this decision in a trial court, but her appeal was initially rejected.
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