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The governor has once more denied release for the convicted inmate, who has spent over half a century in prison for her role in the 1969 murders orchestrated by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Sparks Criticism

Nearly five months after the state parole panel found the elderly suitable for freedom, Newsom overturned the decision and declared that the inmate “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if freed from custody at this time.”

This marks the second instance the governor has prevented her parole, and the move was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who argued the governor chose “politics over people” and failed to consider the abuse she suffered from Manson.

“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, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the facts and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson cult committed the killings of actress Sharon Tate and several others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of seven counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years behind bars – she is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team have reported. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is clean, her attorney noted, which was a key factor the panel supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her role in the offenses. In 2022, she stated: “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 make amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her lawyer noted, adding that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously denied release for other cult members. Another follower was released from California prison in recent years after 53 years when a state appeals court reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.