Gavin Newsom Blocks Parole for Manson Follower Patricia Krenwinkel
The governor again denied parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over half a century behind bars for her role in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson.
Parole Reversal Draws Criticism
Months after California’s parole board found the 77-year-old suitable for release, the governor reversed the decision and stated that the inmate “currently represents an unacceptable risk to society if released from prison at this time.”
This marks the second time the governor has prevented her parole, and the decision was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who claimed the governor chose “politics over people” and overlooked the abuse she suffered from the cult figure.
“The governor's decision of her parole approval has no connection to the evidence of her transformation or the risk she presents,” stated Keith Wattley, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the evidence and the governing regulations.”
Case History of the Crimes
Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson's followers committed the killings of actress Sharon Tate and several others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of seven counts of murder charges for their roles in the attack.
Prison Transformation
Over many years behind bars – she is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys have reported. She has earned college degrees and her behavior record is clean, her attorney noted, which was a key factor the panel recommended her for release.
Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her actions in the offenses. Previously, she stated: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I created when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”
Previous Mistreatment and Reform
An earlier inquiry by the parole board found she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney said in a statement, stating that she has found her “personal identity, independence, and moral compass”.
Similar Instances
Newsom has previously blocked parole for other cult members. Another follower was freed from California prison in 2023 after over five decades when a court of appeals reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.
