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The governor has once more rejected release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent more than half a century behind bars for her involvement in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Draws Backlash

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

It was the second time the governor has prevented her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor opted for “politics over people” and overlooked the mistreatment she suffered from Manson.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has nothing to do with the record of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” stated 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 four others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years in prison – she is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has reformed, friends and her legal team have reported. She has earned college degrees and her conduct is clean, legal counsel noted, which was a key factor the parole board recommended her for release.

The inmate has shown regret for her actions in the offenses. Previously, she stated: “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

An earlier inquiry by the authorities found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, stating that she has developed her “personal identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously denied parole for other cult members. Another follower was released from state custody in recent years after over five decades when a state appeals court overturned the governor’s decision to block her parole.