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The governor has once more denied release for the convicted inmate, who has spent over five decades in prison for her role in the 1969 murders orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Draws Criticism

Nearly five months after the state parole panel found the 77-year-old suitable for freedom, Newsom overturned the decision and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unacceptable risk to society if freed from custody at this time.”

It was the second instance the governor has blocked her parole, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the mistreatment she suffered from Manson.

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the record of her transformation or the danger she presents,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the facts and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Crimes

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the murders of actress Sharon Tate and several others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. In 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 incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team have reported. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her conduct is spotless, her attorney noted, which was one of the reasons the panel recommended her for release.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her role in the offenses. Previously, she stated: “I want to say how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I created when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the authorities revealed she experienced abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her attorney noted, stating that she has developed her “personal identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously blocked release for other former cult members. Leslie Van Houten was freed from California prison in 2023 after 53 years when a state appeals court reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.