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Gavin Newsom has once more rejected release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over half a century in prison for her involvement in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Draws Criticism

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

It was the second time the governor has blocked her release, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor opted for “politics over people” and overlooked the abuse she endured from the cult figure.

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has no connection to the evidence of how much she’s changed or the danger she presents,” said her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Crimes

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the killings of actor Sharon Tate and several others, including heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of multiple counts of murder charges for their roles in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years in prison – she is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys stated. She has obtained higher education and her conduct is clean, legal counsel noted, which was a key factor the parole board supported her parole.

The inmate has shown regret for her actions in the offenses. In 2022, she said: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] work toward being a better person.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her attorney noted, adding that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously denied parole for other former Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was freed from California prison in 2023 after over five decades when a court of appeals overturned the governor's ruling to deny her release.