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Gavin Newsom has once more denied release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served more than five decades in prison for her role in the notorious murders masterminded by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Sparks Criticism

Nearly five months after the state parole panel deemed the 77-year-old suitable for release, Newsom overturned the decision and stated that the inmate “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if freed from prison at this time.”

It was the second instance the governor has blocked her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor chose “politics over people” and overlooked the mistreatment she suffered from Manson.

“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the evidence of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” said her attorney, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Crimes

The inmate was 21 when the Manson's followers committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and several others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

Over many years in prison – she is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has reformed, friends and her legal team stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees 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 role in the crimes. In 2022, she stated: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

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

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously denied release for other former Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was freed from California prison in 2023 after over five decades when a state appeals court overturned the governor's ruling to block her parole.