🔗 Share this article

Gavin Newsom has once more rejected release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent more than half a century behind bars for her role in the notorious murders orchestrated by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash

Months after California’s parole board deemed the elderly suitable for freedom, Newsom reversed the decision and stated that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if freed from prison at this time.”

This marks the second instance the governor has prevented her release, and the move was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the mistreatment she suffered from Manson.

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the record of how much she’s changed or the risk she presents,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Crimes

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson cult carried out the killings of actor Sharon Tate and four others, including socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. By 1971, she and fellow cult members 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 California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team stated. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her conduct is clean, 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 offenses. In 2022, she said: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she experienced abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her lawyer said in a statement, stating that she has developed her “personal identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously blocked parole for other Manson followers. Another follower was freed from California prison in recent years after 53 years when a court of appeals overturned the governor’s decision to block her parole.