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The governor again rejected parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent more than half a century in prison for her involvement in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Parole Reversal Draws Backlash

Months after California’s parole board found the elderly fit for freedom, the governor overturned the ruling and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unacceptable risk to the public if freed from prison at this time.”

It was the second instance Newsom has prevented her parole, and the move was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the abuse she endured from the cult figure.

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

Background of the Crimes

The inmate was 21 when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actor Sharon Tate and several others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of seven counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the attack.

Prison Transformation

In her decades in prison – she is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has reformed, friends and her legal team have reported. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her conduct is spotless, her attorney noted, which was a key factor the parole board recommended her for release.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her actions in the crimes. Previously, she stated: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the authorities revealed she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, stating that she has found her “personal identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously denied release for other cult members. Leslie Van Houten was freed from California prison in recent years after over five decades when a court of appeals reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.