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Gavin Newsom again denied release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent over five decades behind bars for her involvement in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash

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

It was the second time the governor has prevented her parole, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor opted for “politics over people” and overlooked the abuse she suffered from the cult figure.

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has no connection to the record of her transformation or the risk she presents,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Murders

The inmate was 21 when the Manson's followers carried out the murders of actor Sharon Tate and four others, including socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades in prison – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her behavior record is spotless, legal counsel noted, which was a key factor the panel recommended her for release.

The inmate has shown regret for her role in the offenses. In 2022, she stated: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the authorities found she experienced abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her lawyer noted, adding that she has found her “personal identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously denied release for other Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was freed from California prison in 2023 after over five decades when a court of appeals reversed the governor's ruling to deny her release.