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The governor has once more denied release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over half a century in prison for her role in the 1969 murders orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Draws Criticism

Months after the state parole panel deemed the 77-year-old suitable for release, the governor reversed the ruling and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unacceptable risk to society if freed from custody at this time.”

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

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the evidence of how much she’s changed or the danger she poses,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actress Sharon Tate and four others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the attack.

Prison Transformation

Over many years in prison – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team have reported. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is clean, legal counsel noted, which was one of the reasons the parole board supported her parole.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her actions in the crimes. In 2022, she stated: “I want to say how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the authorities revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her attorney said in a statement, stating that she has developed her “personal identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously denied release for other former Manson followers. Another follower was freed from California prison in 2023 after 53 years when a state appeals court reversed the governor's ruling to deny her release.