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The governor has once more rejected parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent over half a century behind bars for her role in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Draws Criticism

Months after California’s parole board found the 77-year-old fit for release, the governor overturned the ruling and stated 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 strong opposition from her legal representative, who argued the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the mistreatment she suffered from Manson.

“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has no connection to the record of her transformation or the risk she presents,” said her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Murders

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson's followers committed the killings of actor Sharon Tate and four others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years in prison – she is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has reformed, friends and her legal team have reported. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is spotless, legal counsel noted, which was one of the reasons the parole board recommended her for release.

The inmate has shown regret for her role in the crimes. In 2022, she said: “I want to say how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she endured abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her attorney noted, adding that she has found her “own identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Similar Instances

The governor has previously blocked release for other cult members. Another follower was released from California prison in 2023 after 53 years when a court of appeals reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.