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Gavin Newsom has once more rejected parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent over half a century behind bars for her role in the 1969 murders orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Draws Criticism

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

It was the second time the governor has blocked her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who claimed the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the abuse she suffered from Manson.

“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the record of her transformation or the risk she presents,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Murders

The inmate was 21 when the Manson's followers committed the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

Over many years in prison – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys have reported. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is clean, legal counsel said, which was one of the reasons the parole board recommended her for release.

The inmate has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. Previously, she said: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] work toward being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the parole board revealed she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her attorney said in a statement, stating that she has developed her “own identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously blocked release for other cult members. Another follower was released from California prison in 2023 after over five decades when a state appeals court overturned the governor's ruling to deny her release.