Gavin Newsom Again Denies Early Release for Manson Follower Patricia Krenwinkel

Gavin Newsom again refused parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent more than five decades behind bars for her involvement in the 1969 murders masterminded by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Draws Criticism

Nearly five months after the state parole panel found the 77-year-old fit for release, the governor overturned the ruling and stated that the inmate “currently represents an unacceptable risk to society if freed from custody at this time.”

This marks the second time the governor has prevented her parole, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the mistreatment she endured from Manson.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has no connection to the record of her transformation or the danger she poses,” said Keith Wattley, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Crimes

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson's followers carried out the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others, including 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 first-degree murder for their roles in the attack.

Prison Transformation

In her decades in prison – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her behavior record is clean, her attorney said, which was a key factor the panel recommended her for release.

The inmate has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. In 2022, she said: “I want to say my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the authorities revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her attorney said in a statement, adding that she has found her “own identity, independence, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously blocked release for other former Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was released from state custody in recent years after 53 years when a court of appeals overturned the governor’s decision to deny her release.