California's Governor Rejects Early Release for Manson Follower Longtime Inmate
Gavin Newsom has once more refused release for the convicted inmate, who has spent more than five decades in prison for her involvement in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson.
Parole Reversal Sparks Criticism
Months after the state parole panel found the 77-year-old fit for release, the governor reversed the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if freed from prison at this time.”
This marks the second instance Newsom has blocked her parole, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who claimed the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the abuse she endured from Manson.
“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the evidence of her transformation or the risk she poses,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the facts and the governing regulations.”
Background of the Murders
Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson cult carried out the killings of actress Sharon Tate and four others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed Leno LaBianca and his spouse, 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
In her decades in prison – she is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has reformed, friends and her legal team stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her behavior record is spotless, legal counsel said, which was one of the reasons the parole board supported her parole.
Krenwinkel has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. Previously, she stated: “I want to say my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”
Past Abuse and Reform
A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she endured abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her lawyer noted, adding that she has found her “own identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.
Other Cases
The governor has previously denied parole for other cult members. Leslie Van Houten was freed from California prison in 2023 after over five decades when a court of appeals reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.
