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Gavin Newsom has once more rejected release for the convicted inmate, who has served more than half a century in prison for her involvement in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Parole Reversal Draws Criticism

Months after the state parole panel deemed the elderly suitable for release, Newsom reversed the ruling and declared that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if freed from custody at this time.”

It was the second time the governor has prevented her parole, and the move was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor opted for “politics over people” and overlooked the mistreatment she suffered from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the record of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” said her attorney, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the facts and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Crimes

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and several others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years in prison – she is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has reformed, friends and her legal team stated. She 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 expressed remorse for her role in the crimes. In 2022, she stated: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I created when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the parole board found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her attorney said in a statement, stating that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously blocked parole for other former cult members. Leslie Van Houten was released from California prison in recent years after over five decades when a state appeals court reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.