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The governor has once more denied parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent over five decades behind bars for her involvement in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash

Nearly five months after the state parole panel deemed the 77-year-old fit for freedom, the governor reversed the decision and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unacceptable risk to society if freed from custody at this time.”

This marks the second instance the governor has blocked her parole, and the move was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the mistreatment she endured from Manson.

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has no connection to the evidence of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” stated her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Murders

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers carried out the murders of actor Sharon Tate and several others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of seven counts of murder charges for their roles in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

Over many years in prison – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team have reported. She has earned college degrees and her conduct is spotless, legal counsel noted, which was one of the reasons the parole board recommended her for release.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. In 2022, she stated: “I want to say 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] focus on being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the parole board found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, stating that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

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