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The governor has once more denied parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served more than half a century behind bars for her involvement in the 1969 murders orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Draws Backlash

Months after the state parole panel found the 77-year-old suitable for release, Newsom reversed the decision and stated that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unacceptable risk to society if released from prison at this time.”

This marks the second instance Newsom has blocked her release, and the move was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who claimed the governor opted for “politics over people” and overlooked the abuse she endured from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has nothing to do with the record of her transformation or the risk she poses,” said her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the facts and the controlling law.”

Background of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson cult committed the killings of actor Sharon Tate and several others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

Over many years in prison – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has reformed, friends and her legal team stated. She has obtained higher education and her behavior record is clean, legal counsel said, which was a key factor the parole board recommended her for release.

The inmate has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. In 2022, she said: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she experienced abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her lawyer noted, adding that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and moral compass”.

Similar Instances

The governor has previously denied release for other Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was released from California prison in 2023 after over five decades when a court of appeals reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.