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The governor again denied release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served more than five decades behind bars for her involvement in the 1969 murders orchestrated by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Sparks Criticism

Months after California’s parole board found the 77-year-old suitable for freedom, the governor reversed the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if freed from prison at this time.”

It was the second time Newsom has blocked her release, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who argued the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the mistreatment she endured from Manson.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has no connection to the record of her transformation or the risk she presents,” said her attorney, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson cult committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and four others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

In her decades in prison – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team have reported. She has obtained higher education and her conduct is spotless, legal counsel said, which was a key factor the panel supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her role in the crimes. In 2022, she said: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I created when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the authorities revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her lawyer noted, stating that she has developed her “personal identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously blocked release for other former cult members. Another follower was released from state custody in 2023 after 53 years when a state appeals court overturned the governor's ruling to block her parole.