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Gavin Newsom has once more denied parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over half a century behind bars for her involvement in the 1969 murders orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash

Nearly five months after California’s parole board found the elderly suitable for freedom, Newsom reversed the decision and stated that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unacceptable risk to the public if freed from custody at this time.”

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

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has nothing to do with the record of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” said her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Murders

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and four others, including socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of seven counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades in prison – she is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has reformed, friends and her legal team stated. She has obtained higher education and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney noted, which was one of the reasons the panel supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. Previously, she stated: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I created when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney noted, stating that she has found her “personal identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously denied release for other former cult members. Another follower was freed from California prison in recent years after over five decades when a court of appeals overturned the governor's ruling to deny her release.