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The governor has once more refused release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over five decades behind bars for her role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Draws Criticism

Months after the state parole panel deemed the 77-year-old fit for release, the governor overturned the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if freed from custody at this time.”

This marks the second instance Newsom has blocked her parole, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the mistreatment she suffered from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal 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, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Crimes

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others, including socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of multiple counts of murder charges for their roles in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years behind bars – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys have reported. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney said, which was one of the reasons the panel recommended her for release.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. In 2022, she said: “I want to say my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the parole board found she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her attorney noted, stating that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously blocked release for other former Manson followers. Another follower was freed from California prison in 2023 after over five decades when a state appeals court reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.