California's Governor Again Denies Parole for Manson Follower Longtime Inmate
The governor again rejected release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent over five decades behind bars for her involvement in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson.
Parole Reversal Sparks Criticism
Nearly five months after the state parole panel deemed the elderly suitable for freedom, the governor overturned the decision and declared that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unacceptable risk to society if freed from custody at this time.”
This marks the second time Newsom has blocked her parole, and the decision was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who argued the governor chose “politics over people” and overlooked the mistreatment she endured from Manson.
“The governor's decision of her parole approval has no connection to the record of how much she’s changed or the danger she poses,” stated Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the facts and the controlling law.”
Case History of the Crimes
Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actor Sharon Tate and four others, including socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack.
Life Behind Bars
Over many years in prison – she is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her conduct is spotless, her attorney noted, which was one of the reasons the panel supported her parole.
Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her actions in the offenses. In 2022, she said: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”
Past Abuse and Rehabilitation
An earlier inquiry by the parole board revealed she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney said in a statement, stating that she has found her “own identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.
Other Cases
The governor has previously blocked release for other former Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was freed from California prison in recent years after over five decades when a court of appeals reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.
