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The governor again denied release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over half a century in prison for her role in the notorious murders masterminded by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash

Nearly five months after California’s parole board found the 77-year-old suitable for freedom, the governor overturned the ruling and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unacceptable risk to the public if freed from custody at this time.”

It was the second time Newsom has blocked her parole, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor opted for “politics over people” and failed to consider the abuse she endured from Manson.

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has no connection to the record of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the facts and the controlling law.”

Background of the Crimes

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson cult carried out the murders of actor Sharon Tate and several others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of seven counts of murder charges for their roles in the attack.

Prison Transformation

In her decades in prison – she is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team have reported. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is clean, legal counsel said, which was one of the reasons the panel recommended her for release.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her actions in the offenses. Previously, 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 Reform

A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she experienced abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her attorney said in a statement, stating that she has found her “own identity, independence, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously denied parole for other Manson followers. Another follower was released from state custody in 2023 after over five decades when a state appeals court reversed the governor’s decision to block her parole.