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The governor has once more denied parole for the convicted inmate, who has served over five decades behind bars for her involvement in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Draws Backlash

Months after the state parole panel found the 77-year-old fit for freedom, the governor overturned the decision and stated that the inmate “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if freed from custody at this time.”

This marks the second instance the governor has blocked her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the mistreatment she endured from Manson.

“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the evidence of how much she’s changed or the danger she presents,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Murders

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson cult carried out the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of murder charges for their involvement in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

In her decades 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 behavior record is spotless, legal counsel noted, which was a key factor the parole board supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her role in the offenses. In 2022, she said: “I want to say my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I created when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the parole board revealed she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her lawyer said in a statement, adding that she has found her “personal identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Similar Instances

The governor has previously denied release for other former cult members. Leslie Van Houten was freed from California prison in recent years after over five decades when a state appeals court overturned the governor’s decision to deny her release.