Gavin Newsom Again Denies Parole for Manson Follower Longtime Inmate

Gavin Newsom again refused release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent over five decades in prison for her involvement in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Draws Criticism

Nearly five months after California’s parole board deemed the elderly fit for freedom, Newsom reversed the ruling and declared that the inmate “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if freed from custody at this time.”

It was the second time Newsom has blocked her release, and the move was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who argued the governor opted for “politics over people” and failed to consider the abuse she suffered from Manson.

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the record of how much she’s changed or the risk she presents,” stated Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Murders

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers committed the killings of actor Sharon Tate and four others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of seven counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades in prison – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her conduct is clean, her attorney said, which was one of the reasons the parole board recommended her for release.

The inmate has shown regret for her role in the crimes. Previously, she stated: “I want to say my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the authorities revealed she experienced abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her lawyer said in a statement, stating that she has found her “personal identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Similar Instances

The governor has previously blocked release for other cult members. Leslie Van Houten was released from California prison in recent years after over five decades when a state appeals court overturned the governor's ruling to deny her release.