After spending five decades incarcerated for her role in the 1969 Manson Family murders, Leslie Van Houten is set to be released on parole. At 19 years old, Van Houten participated in the brutal killings of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca. Now 73, her lawyer, Nancy Tetreault, confirmed her impending release following a California appeals court ruling in her favor.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has previously blocked Van Houten's parole, expressed disappointment but acknowledged he would not challenge the court's decision. His office stated the likelihood of the state Supreme Court overturning the ruling was low. The court's decision cited Van Houten's "rehabilitative efforts, remorse, and realistic parole plans" as key factors in granting her release.

Van Houten's release is anticipated within weeks, after which she will transition to a halfway house to reacclimate to life outside prison. This will involve learning to use modern technology like cell phones and computers.

The LaBianca family expressed their heartbreak over the decision, emphasizing the enduring impact of the murders and the void left by the loss of their loved ones. Cory LaBianca, Leno's daughter, shared the pain of her children and grandchildren never having the opportunity to know their grandparents.

During the murders, Van Houten held down Rosemary LaBianca while others stabbed her, and then proceeded to inflict further wounds herself. Convicted in 1971 and again in 1978 after a retrial, Van Houten received a life sentence. Charles Manson, the mastermind behind the killings, died in prison in 2017.