🔗 Share this article

The governor has once more rejected release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served more than half a century in prison for her role in the 1969 murders masterminded by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Sparks Criticism

Nearly five months after the state parole panel found the 77-year-old fit for release, Newsom overturned the ruling and declared that the inmate “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if released from prison at this time.”

It was the second instance the governor has blocked her parole, and the move was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who claimed the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the mistreatment she suffered from the cult figure.

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

Case History of the Murders

The inmate was 21 when the Manson's followers carried out the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others, including 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 found guilty of multiple counts of murder charges for their involvement in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades behind bars – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team stated. She has obtained higher education and her behavior record is spotless, legal counsel said, which was a key factor the panel supported her parole.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her role in the crimes. Previously, she said: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the parole board found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence 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 Manson followers. Another follower was freed from California prison in recent years after over five decades when a court of appeals overturned the governor’s decision to deny her release.