California's Governor Again Denies Parole for Cult Member Longtime Inmate
Gavin Newsom has once more rejected parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over half a century behind bars for her role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by Charles Manson.
Governor's Decision Draws Criticism
Months after the state parole panel found the elderly suitable for release, Newsom overturned the ruling and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unacceptable risk to society if freed from prison at this time.”
It was the second instance the governor has prevented her parole, and the move was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who claimed the governor opted for “politics over people” and failed to consider the mistreatment she endured from Manson.
“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has no connection to the evidence of how much she’s changed or the risk she presents,” said her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the evidence and the governing regulations.”
Case History of the Crimes
Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and four others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of murder charges for their roles in the crimes.
Prison Transformation
Over many years behind bars – she is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys have reported. She has obtained higher education and her behavior record is spotless, legal counsel noted, which was a key factor the panel recommended her for release.
Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her role in the offenses. In 2022, she said: “I want to say how terribly sorry I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”
Previous Mistreatment and Reform
An earlier inquiry by the parole board found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her attorney said in a statement, stating that she has developed her “own identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.
Similar Instances
The governor has previously blocked parole for other cult members. Leslie Van Houten was released from state custody in 2023 after over five decades when a court of appeals reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.