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The governor again rejected release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over half a century behind bars for her role in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Parole Reversal Draws Criticism

Nearly five months after the state parole panel found the elderly fit for release, Newsom overturned the decision and stated that Krenwinkel “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 argued the governor opted for “politics over people” and failed to consider the abuse she endured from Manson.

“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has no connection to the record of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” stated Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the facts and the controlling law.”

Background of the Murders

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actor Sharon Tate and several others, including heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of seven counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years in prison – she is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team have reported. She has obtained higher education and her conduct is clean, legal counsel noted, which was one of the reasons the panel supported her parole.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her role in the offenses. 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 make amends … [and] work toward being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her lawyer said in a statement, adding that she has developed her “own identity, self-reliance, 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 ruling to deny her release.