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The governor again denied parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over five decades behind bars for her role in the 1969 murders orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Draws Criticism

Months after the state parole panel deemed the elderly fit for freedom, the governor reversed the decision and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if released from prison at this time.”

This marks the second instance the governor has prevented her release, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the mistreatment she endured from Manson.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has nothing to do with the evidence of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Background of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson's followers committed the murders of actress Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of seven counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years in prison – she is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys have reported. She has earned college degrees and her conduct is spotless, legal counsel said, which was a key factor the parole board recommended her for release.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her role in the offenses. In 2022, 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 try every day to live amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the authorities found she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, stating that she has developed her “personal identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously blocked release for other cult members. Another follower was released from California prison in 2023 after over five decades when a state appeals court reversed the governor's ruling to deny her release.