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The governor has once more rejected release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served more than half a century behind bars for her involvement in the notorious murders orchestrated by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Draws Criticism

Months after California’s parole board deemed the 77-year-old suitable for release, Newsom overturned the decision and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if released from custody at this time.”

This marks the second time Newsom has blocked her parole, and the move was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who claimed the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the abuse she suffered from Manson.

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the evidence of how much she’s changed or the danger she poses,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Murders

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson cult carried out the murders of actor Sharon Tate and several others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of multiple counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack.

Prison Transformation

In her decades in prison – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has reformed, friends and her legal team stated. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her conduct is clean, legal counsel noted, which was one of the reasons the panel supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her role in the offenses. Previously, she said: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the parole board revealed she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney said in a statement, adding that she has found her “personal identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously blocked release for other Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was released from California prison in 2023 after 53 years when a court of appeals reversed the governor's ruling to deny her release.