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The governor again denied release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent more than half a century in prison for her role in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash

Months after the state parole panel found the 77-year-old fit for release, Newsom reversed the ruling and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if released from custody at this time.”

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

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has no connection to the record 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 facts and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Crimes

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of seven counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years behind bars – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her conduct is spotless, legal counsel noted, which was one of the reasons the parole board supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her actions in the crimes. Previously, she said: “I want to say how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I created when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the authorities revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her lawyer said in a statement, adding that she has found her “personal identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously denied release for other former Manson followers. Another follower was released from California prison in 2023 after 53 years when a court of appeals reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.