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Gavin Newsom again refused parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent more than half a century behind bars for her role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Sparks Criticism

Months after California’s parole board deemed the elderly suitable for release, Newsom overturned the decision and stated that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if released from prison at this time.”

This marks the second time the governor has blocked her parole, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who claimed the governor chose “politics over people” and overlooked the abuse she endured from the cult figure.

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has no connection to the evidence of how much she’s changed or the risk she presents,” said her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Murders

The inmate was 21 when the Manson's followers carried out the murders of actor Sharon Tate and four others, including heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered Leno LaBianca and his wife, 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.

Prison Transformation

Over many years behind bars – she is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has reformed, friends and her legal team stated. She has earned college degrees and her conduct is spotless, her attorney noted, which was one of the reasons the parole board recommended her for release.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her role in the crimes. In 2022, she said: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the authorities found she experienced abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her lawyer noted, stating that she has found her “personal identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Similar Instances

The governor has previously denied parole for other Manson followers. Another follower was freed from California prison in 2023 after over five decades when a state appeals court overturned the governor’s decision to deny her release.