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The governor has once more refused parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over five decades behind bars for her involvement in the 1969 murders masterminded by Charles Manson.

Parole Reversal Sparks Criticism

Months after the state parole panel deemed the 77-year-old suitable for release, the governor reversed the decision and declared that the inmate “currently poses an unacceptable risk to the public if released from prison at this time.”

This marks the second time the governor has blocked her parole, 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 mistreatment she endured from Manson.

“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the record of how much she’s changed or the risk she presents,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Murders

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson cult carried out the killings of actor Sharon Tate and four others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of seven counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

Over many years behind bars – she is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her conduct is spotless, her attorney noted, which was one of the reasons the panel recommended her for release.

The inmate has shown regret for her role in the offenses. In 2022, she stated: “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 live amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the parole board found she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, stating that she has found her “own identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously denied parole 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 reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.