California's Governor Blocks Early Release for Cult Member Patricia Krenwinkel
The governor again denied release for the convicted inmate, who has spent more than five decades in prison for her involvement in the 1969 murders orchestrated by Charles Manson.
Parole Reversal Draws Criticism
Months after the state parole panel found the elderly fit for release, Newsom overturned the ruling and declared that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if released from prison at this time.”
It was the second time Newsom has prevented her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor opted for “politics over people” and overlooked the mistreatment she suffered from Manson.
“The governor's decision of her parole approval has nothing to do with the record of how much she’s changed or the danger she poses,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the facts and the controlling law.”
Case History of the Murders
Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson cult carried out the murders of actor Sharon Tate and four others, including heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the crimes.
Prison Transformation
Over many years in prison – she is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has reformed, friends and her legal team have reported. She has earned college degrees and her conduct is spotless, legal counsel said, which was one of the reasons the parole board supported her parole.
Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her actions in the offenses. In 2022, she stated: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I created when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”
Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation
An earlier inquiry by the authorities revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her lawyer noted, stating that she has developed her “personal identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.
Other Cases
Newsom has previously denied release for other former Manson followers. Another follower was released from California prison in 2023 after 53 years when a court of appeals reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.
