California's Governor Again Denies Early Release for Cult Member Longtime Inmate

The governor has once more denied parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served more than five decades behind bars for her role in the notorious murders masterminded by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Sparks Criticism

Months after the state parole panel found the 77-year-old suitable for freedom, Newsom reversed the ruling and declared that the inmate “currently represents an unreasonable danger to the public if freed from custody at this time.”

It was the second time Newsom has prevented her parole, and the move was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who claimed the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the mistreatment she endured 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 risk she poses,” said Keith Wattley, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers carried out the murders of actor Sharon Tate and four others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of seven counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years in prison – she is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys stated. She has obtained higher education and her conduct is clean, legal counsel said, which was a key factor the panel supported her parole.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her actions in the crimes. In 2022, she said: “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] work toward self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she experienced abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her attorney noted, adding that she has developed her “personal identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously denied parole for other former cult members. Leslie Van Houten was released from California prison in recent years after 53 years when a state appeals court reversed the governor’s decision to block her parole.