🔗 Share this article

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

Governor's Decision Sparks Criticism

Months after the state parole panel found the elderly fit for release, the governor overturned the decision and declared that the inmate “currently represents an unacceptable risk to the public if freed from prison at this time.”

This marks the second time Newsom has blocked her release, and the move was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor opted for “politics over people” and overlooked the mistreatment she endured from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has no connection to the record of how much she’s changed or the risk she presents,” said her attorney, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Murders

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 following night killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades in prison – she is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has reformed, friends and her legal team have reported. She has obtained higher education and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney noted, which was a key factor the panel supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her role in the crimes. Previously, she stated: “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 try every day to make amends … [and] work toward being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the authorities revealed she experienced abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, stating that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously denied parole for other former Manson followers. Another follower was freed from state custody in 2023 after 53 years when a state appeals court overturned the governor's ruling to block her parole.