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The governor has once more rejected release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over five decades in prison for her involvement in the 1969 murders masterminded by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Sparks Criticism

Nearly five months after the state parole panel found the elderly fit for release, the governor reversed the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unacceptable risk to society if released from custody at this time.”

This marks the second instance Newsom has prevented her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who claimed the governor chose “politics over people” and failed to consider the mistreatment she suffered from Manson.

“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 her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Murders

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the murders of actress Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of multiple counts of murder charges for their roles in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades in prison – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has reformed, friends and her legal team stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her conduct is clean, legal counsel noted, which was one of the reasons the panel supported her parole.

The inmate has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. Previously, she stated: “I want to say how terribly sorry 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] work toward being a better person.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the authorities revealed she experienced abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, stating that she has found her “own identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously blocked release for other former Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was freed from California prison in recent years after 53 years when a court of appeals reversed the governor’s decision to block her parole.