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The governor again refused parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent more than half a century in prison for her involvement in the notorious murders masterminded by the cult leader.

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 decision and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unacceptable risk to society if freed from custody at this time.”

This marks the second instance Newsom has blocked her release, 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 suffered from Manson.

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the evidence of her transformation or the risk she presents,” stated Keith Wattley, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Murders

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson's followers carried out the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. 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 in prison – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys have reported. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney noted, which was one of the reasons the panel supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her actions in the offenses. In 2022, she stated: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I created when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the authorities revealed she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney said in a statement, stating that she has developed her “own identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously blocked parole for other cult members. Leslie Van Houten was released from state custody in recent years after 53 years when a court of appeals overturned the governor's ruling to deny her release.