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The governor has once more rejected parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent more than half a century in prison for her role in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Sparks Backlash

Nearly five months after California’s parole board found the elderly fit for freedom, Newsom reversed the decision and stated that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unacceptable risk to the public if released from custody at this time.”

This marks the second instance the governor has blocked her parole, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who claimed the governor opted for “politics over people” and failed to consider the abuse she endured from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has no connection to the evidence of her transformation or the danger she poses,” said Keith Wattley, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others, including socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of seven counts of murder charges for their roles in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades in prison – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. She has obtained higher education and her behavior record is clean, her attorney said, which was one of the reasons the parole board supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her role in the offenses. Previously, she stated: “I want to say my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the parole board revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her lawyer said in a statement, stating that she has found her “own identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously denied release for other former cult members. Another follower was freed from state custody in 2023 after over five decades when a court of appeals overturned the governor’s decision to block her parole.