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Gavin Newsom has once more denied parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over five decades behind bars for her role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash

Months after California’s parole board deemed the 77-year-old fit for freedom, Newsom reversed the ruling and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unacceptable risk to society if freed from prison at this time.”

It was the second time the governor has prevented her parole, and the move was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor chose “politics over people” and failed to consider the abuse she suffered from the cult figure.

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the evidence of her transformation or the risk she presents,” said Keith Wattley, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Murders

The inmate was 21 when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actress Sharon Tate and four others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

Over many years in prison – she is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys stated. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is clean, her attorney said, which was a key factor the parole board supported her parole.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her role in the crimes. Previously, 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 strive daily to make amends … [and] work toward being a better person.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the parole board revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her attorney said in a statement, adding that she has developed her “own identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously denied release for other former Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was freed from state custody in 2023 after 53 years when a court of appeals overturned the governor's ruling to block her parole.