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Gavin Newsom again refused release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served more than five decades behind bars for her role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by the cult leader.

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 the inmate “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if released from custody at this time.”

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

“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the record of her transformation or the danger she poses,” stated her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Murders

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson's followers carried out the murders of actor Sharon Tate and four others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

Over many years behind bars – she is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has reformed, friends and her legal team have reported. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her conduct is spotless, legal counsel noted, which was one of the reasons the parole board supported her parole.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her role in the crimes. Previously, 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 try every day to live amends … [and] work toward being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney said in a statement, stating that she has found her “personal identity, independence, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously blocked release for other former Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was freed from state custody in recent years after over five decades when a court of appeals reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.