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The governor has once more denied parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent over five decades behind bars for her involvement in the 1969 murders masterminded by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Draws Criticism

Months after California’s parole board deemed the 77-year-old suitable for release, Newsom reversed the ruling and declared that the inmate “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if freed from custody at this time.”

This marks the second time the governor has prevented her parole, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor opted for “politics over people” 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 her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the evidence and the controlling law.”

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 hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades behind bars – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys have reported. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her conduct is clean, legal counsel said, which was a key factor the panel supported her parole.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her role in the offenses. In 2022, she stated: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] work toward being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the authorities found she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her lawyer noted, adding that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously blocked release for other former Manson followers. Another follower was released from California prison in 2023 after 53 years when a court of appeals reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.