🔗 Share this article

The governor again denied parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent over half a century behind bars for her involvement in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Parole Reversal Draws Backlash

Nearly five months after California’s parole board found the elderly fit for release, the governor overturned the decision and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unacceptable risk to society if freed from prison at this time.”

It was the second time Newsom has prevented her release, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor opted for “politics over people” and overlooked the abuse she endured from Manson.

“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,” stated Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson cult carried out the murders of actress Sharon Tate and several others, including heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the attack.

Prison Transformation

Over many years behind bars – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys have reported. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney noted, which was one of the reasons the parole board supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her role in the offenses. Previously, she stated: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the authorities found she experienced abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her attorney noted, stating that she has developed her “personal identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously blocked release for other former Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was freed from California prison in 2023 after over five decades when a court of appeals reversed the governor's ruling to deny her release.