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Gavin Newsom again rejected parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent more than five decades in prison for her involvement in the 1969 murders masterminded by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Draws Criticism

Nearly five months after California’s parole board deemed the 77-year-old suitable for release, the governor reversed the decision and stated that the inmate “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if freed from prison at this time.”

This marks the second time Newsom has blocked her parole, and the move was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed 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 presents,” said Keith Wattley, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the killings of actor Sharon Tate and several others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered 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 behind bars – she is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has reformed, friends and her legal team have reported. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her conduct is clean, legal counsel noted, which was a key factor the parole board recommended her for release.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse 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 caused when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the authorities revealed she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her lawyer noted, adding that she has found her “personal identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously blocked parole for other cult members. Another follower was freed from state custody in 2023 after 53 years when a court of appeals overturned the governor's ruling to block her parole.