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Gavin Newsom again denied parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent over five decades in prison for her involvement in the notorious murders masterminded by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Draws Criticism

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

It was the second instance the governor has prevented her parole, and the decision was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who claimed the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the abuse she endured from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has no connection to the record of her transformation or the risk she poses,” stated Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Background of the Crimes

The inmate was 21 when the Manson cult committed the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of multiple counts of murder charges for their roles in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

Over many years behind bars – she is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her behavior record is clean, legal counsel noted, which was a key factor the panel recommended her for release.

The inmate has shown regret for her role in the crimes. In 2022, 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 try every day to live amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the authorities found she experienced abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her lawyer said in a statement, adding that she has found her “own identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously denied release for other Manson followers. Another follower was freed from state custody in recent years after over five decades when a court of appeals reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.