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The governor again refused parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent over half a century in prison for her role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Sparks Criticism

Nearly five months after California’s parole board deemed the 77-year-old fit for freedom, Newsom overturned the ruling and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if released from prison at this time.”

This marks the second time Newsom has blocked her release, and the move was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who argued the governor chose “politics over people” and overlooked the abuse she endured from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has nothing to do with the evidence of how much she’s changed or the danger she poses,” stated Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Background of the Murders

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers committed the killings of actor Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of murder charges for their involvement in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

Over many years behind bars – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has reformed, friends and her legal team have reported. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her conduct is spotless, her attorney noted, which was one of the reasons the panel recommended her for release.

The inmate has shown regret for her actions in the offenses. Previously, she said: “I want to say my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] work toward being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her attorney said in a statement, stating that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and moral compass”.

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously denied release for other former cult members. Leslie Van Houten was freed from state custody in 2023 after 53 years when a court of appeals overturned the governor's ruling to block her parole.