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The governor has once more rejected parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent over five decades behind bars for her role in the 1969 murders orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Parole Reversal Draws Criticism

Nearly five months after California’s parole board deemed the 77-year-old suitable for release, the governor reversed the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if released from prison at this time.”

This marks the second time the governor has blocked her release, and the move was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor chose “politics over people” and overlooked the abuse she endured from the cult figure.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has nothing to do with the evidence of her transformation or the danger she poses,” said her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Crimes

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson's followers committed the killings of actress Sharon Tate and several others, including heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack.

Prison Transformation

Over many years behind bars – she is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her conduct is clean, legal counsel said, which was a key factor the parole board supported her parole.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her actions in the offenses. Previously, she said: “I want to say my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the authorities revealed she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her attorney said in a statement, adding that she has found her “personal identity, independence, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously blocked parole for other Manson followers. Another follower was released from California prison in 2023 after 53 years when a state appeals court overturned the governor’s decision to block her parole.