Manson follower Leslie Van Houten loses latest attempt at parole

[TexasTowelie]

A California appeals court Friday rejected Leslie Van Houten’s latest bid for release from prison.

The 70-year-old Charles Manson follower has been recommended for parole three times, and each has been rejected — twice by former Gov. Jerry Brown and most recently by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

During oral arguments in June before a panel of the 2nd District Court of Appeal, Van Houten’s attorney, Rich Pfeiffer, said his client should be released because she has been fully rehabilitated and is no longer a threat.

Jill Alicia VanderBorght, a representative of the state attorney general’s office, argued against Van Houten’s release, citing the “extreme gravity” of the crimes and her continued “minimization” of her role in them.

Read more: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-09-20/manson-follower-leslie-van-houten-loses-latest-attempt-at-parole

[Mike Nelson]

1. It's good to hear she...

... considers herself rehabilitated. Then, she can be a good prisoner and have some peace of mind. I respect the governor's decision... this parole would be a difficult sell, for me.

[calguy]

2. She will never be released

I'm quite sure she has fully rehabilitated herself and is no longer a threat to society. That's not the issue. The issue is society has not forgiven or forgotten the terrible crimes she was a part of. Any governor allowing her release would be acting against the will of society and in the process would commit political suicide.

[brush]

3. Wonder what's out there for her if she gets out?

Unless there's family money how would she support herself. She has no work credit so no Social Security. She went to prison young, does she even have kids who might put her up?

There's hardly any doubt that she's no longer a thread to society. I mean what is a 70-year-old woman going to do, organize her own criminal gang, or get and assault rifle and do a mass shooting?

No, but she'd probably be in for hardship on getting out. The state is probably doing her a favor keep her in.