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The governor again rejected release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over half a century behind bars for her involvement in the notorious murders orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash

Months after California’s parole board found the 77-year-old suitable for freedom, the governor reversed the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unacceptable risk to society if freed from custody at this time.”

This marks the second time Newsom has blocked her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor opted for “politics over people” and failed to consider the abuse 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 danger she poses,” stated Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Murders

The inmate was 21 when the Manson cult committed the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others, including heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades in prison – she is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has reformed, friends and her legal team stated. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is clean, her attorney said, which was a key factor the parole board recommended her for release.

The inmate has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. Previously, she said: “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 make amends … [and] work toward being a better person.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the authorities revealed she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her attorney said in a statement, adding that she has found her “personal identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously blocked release for other former cult members. Another follower was freed from state custody in recent years after over five decades when a court of appeals reversed the governor’s decision to block her parole.