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The governor again refused parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent more than five decades behind bars for her role in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Draws Criticism

Months after the state parole panel found the 77-year-old fit for release, Newsom overturned the decision and stated that the inmate “currently represents an unacceptable risk to the public if freed from prison at this time.”

It was the second instance Newsom has prevented her release, and the move was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the abuse she endured from Manson.

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the evidence of her transformation or the danger she presents,” said her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Murders

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actor Sharon Tate and several others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered 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 roles in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades behind bars – 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 spotless, legal counsel said, which was one of the reasons the panel recommended her for release.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her role in the offenses. In 2022, she said: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] work toward being a better person.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her lawyer said in a statement, adding that she has developed her “own identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously blocked parole for other Manson followers. Another follower was freed from state custody in 2023 after over five decades when a state appeals court overturned the governor’s decision to block her parole.