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The governor again denied parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served more than five decades behind bars for her role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Draws Backlash

Months after California’s parole board deemed the elderly fit for release, the governor overturned the ruling and declared that the inmate “currently represents an unreasonable danger to the public if freed from custody at this time.”

This marks the second instance Newsom has prevented her parole, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the abuse she endured from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the record of how much she’s changed or the danger she presents,” said Keith Wattley, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the facts and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and several others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of murder charges for their roles in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades behind bars – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. She has obtained higher education and her conduct is spotless, her attorney noted, which was a key factor the parole board recommended her for release.

The inmate has shown regret for her role in the crimes. Previously, she stated: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I created when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the parole board found she experienced abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her lawyer noted, stating that she has developed her “personal identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously denied release for other former Manson followers. Another follower was freed from state custody in recent years after 53 years when a court of appeals overturned the governor's ruling to block her parole.