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Gavin Newsom has once more denied release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent more than five decades behind bars for her role in the 1969 murders orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Sparks Criticism

Nearly five months after the state parole panel found the 77-year-old fit for release, the governor overturned the ruling and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if freed from prison at this time.”

This marks the second time the governor has blocked her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor chose “politics over people” and overlooked the mistreatment she suffered from Manson.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has no connection to the record of her transformation or the risk she presents,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and four others, including socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of murder charges 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, supporters and attorneys stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her conduct is spotless, legal counsel noted, which was a key factor the parole board supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her actions in the offenses. In 2022, she said: “I wish to express how terribly sorry 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] focus on self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the authorities revealed she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her lawyer said in a statement, stating that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously denied parole for other former cult members. Leslie Van Houten was released from California prison in 2023 after 53 years when a state appeals court reversed the governor's ruling to deny her release.