Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten has been deemed “suitable” for parole by the California Board of Parole Hearings, NBC News reports.
The hearing took place at the women’s prison in Corona, California.
Once a 150-day review process has finished, the final decision rests in the hands of Gavin Newsom, California’s newest Governor. Previously, Van Houten has been recommended for parole twice, but then-Governor Jerry Brown blocked her release.
Van Houten, just 19 at the time of the killings, was a member of the cult lead by Charles Manson. The teen was found guilty of murdering Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, a wealthy married couple, after stabbing them to death in 1969.
The day before, pregnant actress Sharon Tate and four other victims were murdered by other members of the Manson cult.
Tate’s sister pled with the board at the hearing: “I just have to hope and pray that the governor comes to the right decision” and keeps Van Houten locked up for life.
Rich Pfeiffer, Van Houten’s lawyer, is pleased that the parole board focused on making sure his client took full responsibility for her own actions. “She chose to go with Manson. She chose to listen to him. And she acknowledges that,” Pfeiffer told the AP.
In the past Van Houten placed too much blame on Manson so, her lawyer hopes the new governor will take this into consideration.
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