California's Governor Again Denies Early Release for Manson Follower Patricia Krenwinkel

Gavin Newsom again rejected release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent over half a century in prison for her involvement in the 1969 murders orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash

Months after California’s parole board deemed the elderly suitable for release, the governor reversed the ruling and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unreasonable danger to the public if released from custody at this time.”

It was the second instance the governor has prevented her parole, and the move was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who claimed the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the abuse she endured 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 risk she presents,” stated her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers committed the killings of actor Sharon Tate and four others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of seven counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years in prison – she is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team have reported. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney said, which was a key factor the panel recommended her for release.

The inmate has shown regret for her actions in the offenses. Previously, she stated: “I want to say how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I created when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her lawyer said in a statement, adding that she has developed her “own identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

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