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Gavin Newsom again denied release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over half a century in prison for her role in the 1969 murders masterminded by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Draws Criticism

Months after California’s parole board found the elderly fit for release, the governor overturned the decision and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unacceptable risk to the public if freed from prison at this time.”

This marks the second time Newsom has prevented her parole, and the move was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who claimed the governor opted for “politics over people” and failed to consider the mistreatment she endured from Manson.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has no connection to the record of her transformation or the risk she poses,” said her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Background of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson cult committed the killings of actress Sharon Tate and several others, including heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of seven counts of murder charges for their roles in the attack.

Prison Transformation

Over many years in prison – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has reformed, friends and her legal team stated. She has earned college degrees and her conduct is clean, legal counsel noted, which was a key factor the parole board recommended her for release.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her actions in the offenses. Previously, she stated: “I want to say my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she experienced abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, stating that she has developed her “own identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Similar Instances

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