Gavin Newsom Again Denies Early Release for Manson Follower Longtime Inmate

The governor again denied release for the convicted inmate, who has served more than five decades behind bars for her involvement in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Parole Reversal Draws Criticism

Nearly five months after California’s parole board found the elderly suitable for freedom, Newsom reversed the ruling and declared that the inmate “currently poses an unacceptable risk to society if freed from custody at this time.”

This marks the second time the governor has blocked her release, and the decision 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 endured from the cult figure.

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the record of her transformation or the danger she presents,” stated Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Murders

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson cult carried out the killings of actress Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. By 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 in prison – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team have reported. She has earned college degrees and her behavior record is spotless, legal counsel noted, which was one of the reasons the parole board supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her actions in the offenses. Previously, she said: “I want to say how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her lawyer said in a statement, adding that she has found her “personal identity, independence, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously denied release for other former cult members. Another follower was freed from state custody in recent years after over five decades when a state appeals court reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.