California's Governor Blocks Parole for Cult Member Longtime Inmate

Gavin Newsom has once more denied parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over half a century in prison for her involvement in the 1969 murders orchestrated by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Draws Backlash

Months after the state parole panel found the elderly suitable for release, the governor overturned the ruling and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if freed from custody at this time.”

It was the second instance Newsom has prevented her release, and the move was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor chose “politics over people” and failed to consider the abuse she suffered from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has no connection to the record of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Background of the Murders

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers committed the killings of actress Sharon Tate and several others, including heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of murder charges for their roles in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

In her decades behind bars – she is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has reformed, friends and her legal team stated. She has obtained higher education and her conduct is spotless, legal counsel noted, which was one of the reasons the parole board recommended her for release.

The inmate has shown regret for her role in the offenses. In 2022, she said: “I want to say my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney noted, stating that she has found her “personal identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Similar Instances

The governor has previously blocked parole for other former Manson followers. Another follower was freed from state custody in recent years after over five decades when a court of appeals reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.