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The governor has once more refused parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent over half a century in prison for her involvement in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Parole Reversal Sparks Criticism

Months after California’s parole board found the elderly suitable for release, the governor reversed the decision and declared that the inmate “currently poses an unacceptable risk to society if freed from prison at this time.”

This marks the second instance Newsom has prevented her parole, and the move was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who claimed the governor opted for “politics over people” and overlooked the abuse she endured from Manson.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has no connection to the record of her transformation or the risk she presents,” said her attorney, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Murders

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson cult committed the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others, including socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades in prison – she is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team have reported. She has obtained higher education and her behavior record is spotless, legal counsel said, which was a key factor the panel recommended her for release.

The inmate has shown regret for her role in the crimes. In 2022, she stated: “I want to say how terribly sorry I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Reform

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 found her “personal identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.

Similar Instances

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