🔗 Share this article

The governor has once more denied parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served more than five decades behind bars for her involvement in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash

Nearly five months after the state parole panel deemed the 77-year-old suitable for freedom, Newsom overturned the decision and stated that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unacceptable risk to society if released from custody at this time.”

This marks the second instance Newsom has blocked her release, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the abuse she endured from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has no connection to the record of her transformation or the danger she presents,” stated Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the facts and the controlling law.”

Background of the Murders

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actress Sharon Tate and several others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of seven counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years behind bars – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has reformed, friends and her legal team have reported. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her behavior record is clean, her attorney said, which was one of the reasons the parole board recommended her for release.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her role in the offenses. In 2022, she said: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Reform

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

Other Cases

The governor has previously denied release for other former Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was released from California prison in recent years after 53 years when a court of appeals overturned the governor's ruling to deny her release.