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Gavin Newsom has once more refused parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent more than five decades in prison for her involvement in the notorious murders masterminded by Charles Manson.

Parole Reversal Sparks Criticism

Nearly five months after California’s parole board found the elderly fit for freedom, Newsom reversed the decision and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if freed from custody at this time.”

This marks 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 overlooked the mistreatment she suffered from Manson.

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has no connection to the record of how much she’s changed or the danger she poses,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the facts and the controlling law.”

Background of the Murders

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson's followers committed the murders of actress Sharon Tate and several others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of seven counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades behind bars – she is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys stated. She has earned college degrees and her conduct is spotless, her attorney said, which was one of the reasons the panel supported her parole.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her actions in the offenses. Previously, she said: “I want to say my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the authorities found she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, adding that she has developed her “personal identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously blocked parole for other former Manson followers. Another follower was freed from California prison in 2023 after 53 years when a court of appeals overturned the governor’s decision to deny her release.