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The governor has once more rejected release for the convicted inmate, who has spent over five decades behind bars for her involvement in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Sparks Criticism

Nearly five months after California’s parole board found the 77-year-old fit for freedom, the governor overturned the decision and stated that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if released from custody at this time.”

This marks the second time Newsom has blocked her release, and the move was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who argued the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the mistreatment she endured from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has no connection to the evidence of her transformation or the danger she presents,” stated Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and four others, including socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades behind bars – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team stated. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is clean, legal counsel said, which was a key factor the panel supported her parole.

The inmate has shown regret for her role in the crimes. In 2022, she stated: “I want to say my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I created when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the authorities revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her attorney noted, adding that she has developed her “personal identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously denied parole for other former cult members. Leslie Van Houten was released from California prison in recent years after over five decades when a court of appeals reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.