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More than 50 years after a string of murders in Los Angeles, a former follower of cult leader Charles Manson has hope for her release from prison. An appeals court on Tuesday reversed an earlier decision by California Governor Gavin Newsom that blocked the now 73-year-old woman’s release from prison. Leslie Van Houten, among other things, showed remorse for her actions and received positive messages, US media quote from the court order.

A probation committee has recommended Van Houten’s release five times since 2016. In each case, the incumbent governor of California refused. Most recently, Democratic politician Newsom had vetoed it in March 2022. The Los Angeles Court of Appeals reversed that decision. Newsom can now appeal to the West Coast State Supreme Court to block the release. Without further legal action, Van Houten could be released within weeks after 54 years behind bars, her attorney Nancy Tetreault told the San Francisco Chronicle.

In 1969, members of the so-called Manson Family murdered seven people on behalf of the cult leader of the same name. The most notorious act was the murder of heavily pregnant actress Sharon Tate, who was married to director Roman Polanski. Van Houten, who was 19 at the time, was not involved in her murder, but was involved in that of businessman Leno LaBianca and his wife.

Accomplice Susan Atkins died of cancer in September 2009 after 38 years behind bars. Charles Manson died in prison in November 2017 at the age of 83. In addition to Van Houten, Patricia Krenwinkel (75) is also imprisoned. Newsom declined her release last fall, contrary to the recommendation of the parole board. (oee/sda/dpa)