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Gavin Newsom again refused release for the convicted inmate, who has spent over half a century behind bars for her involvement in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash

Nearly five months after California’s parole board deemed the elderly fit for release, the governor reversed the decision and stated that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if released from prison at this time.”

This marks the second time Newsom has prevented her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor chose “politics over people” and failed to consider the mistreatment she endured from the cult figure.

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has no connection to the record of how much she’s changed or the risk she presents,” said Keith Wattley, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Background of the Murders

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson cult carried out the murders of actor Sharon Tate and four others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of multiple counts of murder charges for their involvement in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years behind bars – she is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is clean, her attorney noted, which was one of the reasons the panel recommended her for release.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her role in the offenses. In 2022, she said: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the parole board found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her attorney said in a statement, adding that she has found her “own identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously denied parole for other former Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was freed from California prison in 2023 after over five decades when a state appeals court reversed the governor’s decision to block her parole.