California's Governor Blocks Parole for Cult Member Patricia Krenwinkel

Gavin Newsom again denied parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent more than five decades in prison for her involvement in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Parole Reversal Draws Criticism

Months after the state parole panel found the 77-year-old fit for freedom, Newsom reversed the ruling and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if released from custody at this time.”

It was the second instance Newsom has blocked her parole, and the move was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the mistreatment she endured from the cult figure.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has nothing to do with the record of her transformation or the danger she presents,” stated her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers carried out the murders of actor Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years in prison – she is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys stated. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is clean, her attorney said, which was a key factor the panel recommended her for release.

The inmate has shown regret for her role in the crimes. Previously, she stated: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I created 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 authorities found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, stating that she has found her “own identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Similar Instances

The governor has previously denied parole for other cult members. Another follower was freed from state custody in recent years after over five decades when a state appeals court reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.