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The governor has once more refused release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served more than half a century behind bars for her involvement in the 1969 murders orchestrated by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Draws Criticism

Months after the state parole panel found the elderly suitable for release, Newsom overturned the decision and stated that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unacceptable risk to society if released from custody at this time.”

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

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has no connection to the evidence of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” said her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson's followers carried out the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years in prison – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys stated. She has obtained higher education and her behavior record is clean, her attorney said, which was a key factor the panel recommended her for release.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her actions in the offenses. In 2022, she said: “I want to say my deep regret 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.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the authorities found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her lawyer said in a statement, stating that she has developed her “own identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously blocked release for other cult members. Leslie Van Houten was freed from state custody in recent years after over five decades when a court of appeals reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.