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The governor has once more refused parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served more than five decades behind bars for her role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash

Nearly five months after California’s parole board found the elderly suitable for release, the governor reversed the decision and stated that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if released from prison at this time.”

This marks the second instance the governor has blocked her release, and the move was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor opted for “politics over people” and failed to consider the mistreatment she endured from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has no connection to the evidence of how much she’s changed or the danger she presents,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Murders

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the killings of actress Sharon Tate and four others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of seven counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

Over many years in prison – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her conduct is clean, her attorney noted, which was a key factor the panel supported her parole.

The inmate has shown regret for her role in the crimes. In 2022, she stated: “I want to say my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] work toward being a better person.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, stating that she has developed her “personal identity, independence, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously denied parole for other former cult members. Another follower was released from state custody in recent years after over five decades when a court of appeals overturned the governor’s decision to block her parole.