California governor blocks parole for Manson follower Leslie Van Houten

Parole board recommends Van Houten, 72, for release but Gavin Newsom says she's still a danger to society'

The California governor, Gavin Newsom, on Tuesday blocked parole for Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten, reversing a panel's recommendation that she be freed after spending a half-century in prison.

Van Houten, 72, currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if released from prison at this time", Newsom said in his parole review. It was the fifth time that a California governor has rejected her release.