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The governor has once more denied parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over five decades in prison for her role in the 1969 murders orchestrated by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Draws Backlash

Nearly five months after California’s parole board deemed the elderly fit for freedom, Newsom reversed the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unacceptable risk to society if freed from prison at this time.”

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

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has no connection to the record of how much she’s changed or the danger she poses,” stated her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the facts and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Crimes

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades in prison – she is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has reformed, friends and her legal team stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney said, which was one of the reasons the panel supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. Previously, she said: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] work toward being a better person.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the parole board found she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, stating that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously denied parole for other cult members. Another follower was released from California prison in recent years after 53 years when a state appeals court reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.