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Gavin Newsom again denied release for the convicted inmate, who has served over five decades behind bars for her involvement in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Draws Backlash

Months after the state parole panel found the elderly fit for freedom, Newsom reversed the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unacceptable risk to society if released from prison at this time.”

This marks the second time Newsom has prevented her release, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor opted for “politics over people” and failed to consider the abuse she suffered from the cult figure.

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the record of her transformation or the risk she presents,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Background of the Murders

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and several others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of multiple counts of murder charges for their roles in the attack.

Prison Transformation

In her decades in prison – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys have reported. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney noted, which was one of the reasons the parole board supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her role in the crimes. Previously, she stated: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I created when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] work toward being a better person.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the authorities revealed she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her lawyer said in a statement, stating that she has found her “own identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously blocked parole for other former cult members. Another follower was released from state custody in 2023 after 53 years when a court of appeals reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.