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The governor again refused parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent over half a century behind bars for her role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash

Months after the state parole panel found the 77-year-old fit for release, Newsom reversed the decision and stated that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unacceptable risk to society if released from custody at this time.”

It was the second time the governor has blocked her parole, and the move was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who claimed the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the abuse she suffered from Manson.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has no connection to the evidence of her transformation or the risk she poses,” said her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson cult committed the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of seven counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the attack.

Prison Transformation

Over many years in prison – she is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team have reported. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her behavior record is spotless, legal counsel noted, which was one of the reasons the parole board recommended her for release.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her role in the offenses. Previously, she said: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I ended 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 parole board found she experienced 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 California prison in 2023 after 53 years when a state appeals court overturned the governor’s decision to deny her release.