California's Governor Rejects Early Release for Manson Follower Longtime Inmate

The governor has once more denied parole for the convicted inmate, who has served over five decades behind bars for her role in the 1969 murders masterminded by Charles Manson.

Parole Reversal Draws Criticism

Months after the state parole panel found the elderly suitable for release, Newsom reversed the decision and declared that the inmate “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if released from custody at this time.”

It was the second time the governor has prevented her release, and the move was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who argued the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the mistreatment she suffered from Manson.

“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the record of her transformation or the risk she poses,” stated Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Murders

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson's followers committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and four 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 found guilty of multiple counts of murder charges for their roles in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years in prison – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. She has earned college degrees and her conduct is spotless, her attorney noted, which was a key factor the parole board supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her actions in the offenses. Previously, she stated: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I created when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, adding that she has found her “personal identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously denied release for other cult members. Leslie Van Houten was freed from state custody in recent years after over five decades when a court of appeals overturned the governor’s decision to block her parole.