🔗 Share this article

The governor has once more refused parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent more than half a century in prison for her role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Draws Backlash

Nearly five months after California’s parole board deemed the 77-year-old suitable for release, Newsom reversed the decision and declared that the inmate “currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if released from prison at this time.”

This marks the second time the governor has prevented her parole, and the move was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who argued the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the mistreatment she suffered from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has no connection to the evidence of her transformation or the danger she presents,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years in prison – she is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team stated. She has earned college degrees and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney said, which was one of the reasons the panel supported her parole.

The inmate has shown regret for her role in the crimes. In 2022, she said: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the parole board revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her lawyer noted, adding that she has found her “own identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously denied parole for other cult members. Another follower was released from state custody in 2023 after 53 years when a court of appeals reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.