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The governor again refused release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served more than half a century behind bars for her involvement in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Sparks Criticism

Months after California’s parole board deemed the elderly fit for freedom, the governor reversed the decision and stated that the inmate “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if freed from custody at this time.”

This marks the second time the governor has prevented her parole, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor chose “politics over people” and failed to consider the mistreatment 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, in opposition to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Background of the Crimes

The inmate was 21 when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actor Sharon Tate and several others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades in prison – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her behavior record is clean, legal counsel said, which was one of the reasons the parole board supported her parole.

The inmate has expressed remorse 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 ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] work toward being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the authorities revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her attorney said in a statement, stating that she has found her “own identity, independence, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously denied release for other former cult members. Another follower was released from California prison in recent years after 53 years when a court of appeals reversed the governor's ruling to deny her release.