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The governor again refused release for the convicted inmate, who has served over half a century in prison for her role in the 1969 murders masterminded by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Draws Backlash

Months after the state parole panel found the elderly fit for release, Newsom reversed the decision and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unreasonable danger to the public if released from prison at this time.”

It was the second instance the governor has blocked her release, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who argued the governor opted for “politics over people” and failed to consider the abuse she suffered from Manson.

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has no connection to the record of her transformation or the risk she presents,” stated her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Case History 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 murdered Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of multiple counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades in prison – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. She has obtained higher education and her behavior record is clean, legal counsel said, which was a key factor the panel recommended her for release.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. Previously, she stated: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the authorities found she endured abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her lawyer said in a statement, adding that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously denied parole for other Manson followers. Another follower was released from state custody in 2023 after 53 years when a state appeals court reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.