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The governor has once more denied parole for the convicted inmate, who has served more than five decades behind bars for her role in the 1969 murders orchestrated by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Draws Backlash

Months after the state parole panel deemed the elderly fit for release, the governor reversed the decision and declared that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if released from custody at this time.”

This marks the second time the governor has blocked her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor chose “politics over people” and overlooked the mistreatment she endured from the cult figure.

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

Background of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson cult committed the killings of actress Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of seven counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades behind bars – she is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. She has earned college degrees and her conduct is spotless, legal counsel said, which was one of the reasons the parole board supported her parole.

The inmate has expressed remorse 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 strive daily to make amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she experienced abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, stating that she has found her “own identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously blocked release for other cult members. Leslie Van Houten was released from state custody in 2023 after over five decades when a court of appeals overturned the governor’s decision to block her parole.