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

Parole Reversal Draws Criticism

Months after the state parole panel deemed the elderly fit for freedom, Newsom reversed the ruling and declared that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unacceptable risk to the public if released from prison at this time.”

It was the second instance Newsom has prevented her release, and the decision 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 the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has no connection to the evidence of how much she’s changed or the danger she poses,” stated her attorney, 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's followers committed the killings of actress Sharon Tate and four others, including socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of seven counts of murder charges for their roles in the attack.

Prison Transformation

In her decades in prison – she is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. She has obtained higher education and her conduct is spotless, her attorney said, which was one of the reasons the panel supported her parole.

The inmate has shown regret for her role in the crimes. In 2022, she said: “I want to say my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the authorities found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney said in a statement, adding that she has found her “personal identity, independence, and moral compass”.

Similar Instances

The governor has previously denied parole for other cult members. Another follower was released from California prison in 2023 after over five decades when a court of appeals reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.