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Gavin Newsom again refused parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served more than five decades behind bars for her role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Sparks Backlash

Months after the state parole panel deemed the elderly suitable for release, Newsom overturned the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unacceptable risk to society if freed from prison at this time.”

It was the second time the governor has prevented her parole, and the move was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who argued the governor opted for “politics over people” and failed to consider the mistreatment she suffered from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has nothing to do with the record of her transformation or the danger she presents,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson cult carried out the killings of actress Sharon Tate and several others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of multiple counts of murder charges for their roles in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years in prison – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys stated. She has earned college degrees and her conduct is clean, her attorney noted, which was one of the reasons the panel supported her parole.

The inmate has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. In 2022, she stated: “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 strive daily to live amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the authorities revealed she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney noted, stating that she has found her “own identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously denied release for other former cult members. Leslie Van Houten was released from state custody in recent years after over five decades when a state appeals court reversed the governor's ruling to deny her release.