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The governor has once more denied parole for the convicted inmate, who has served over half a century in prison for her role in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Parole Reversal Sparks Criticism

Nearly five months after California’s parole board found the elderly suitable for freedom, Newsom reversed the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if freed from prison at this time.”

This marks the second instance Newsom has prevented her release, and the move was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who claimed the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the mistreatment she endured from Manson.

“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the evidence of how much she’s changed or the risk she presents,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and several others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years in prison – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team have reported. She has earned college degrees and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney said, which was a key factor the panel supported her parole.

The inmate has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. Previously, she said: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, stating that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously blocked release for other Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was freed from California prison in 2023 after 53 years when a court of appeals reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.