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

Gavin Newsom again rejected parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent more than five decades in prison for her role in the 1969 murders masterminded by Charles Manson.

Parole Reversal Sparks Criticism

Nearly five months after the state parole panel found the 77-year-old suitable for release, the governor reversed the ruling and declared that the inmate “currently poses an unacceptable risk to society if freed from custody at this time.”

It was the second time Newsom has prevented her parole, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the mistreatment she endured from the cult figure.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has no connection to the evidence of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the facts and the controlling law.”

Background of the Crimes

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actor Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years behind bars – she is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys have reported. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her conduct is clean, her attorney said, which was one of the reasons the parole board supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her role in the offenses. In 2022, she said: “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 try every day to make amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the authorities found she experienced abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her attorney noted, adding that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously blocked parole for other cult members. Leslie Van Houten was freed from California prison in recent years after 53 years when a state appeals court reversed the governor's ruling to deny her release.