California's Governor Again Denies Parole for Cult Member Patricia Krenwinkel
The governor has once more denied parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent more than half a century behind bars for her role in the notorious murders masterminded by Charles Manson.
Parole Reversal Sparks Criticism
Nearly five months after the state parole panel found the 77-year-old fit for freedom, Newsom overturned the ruling and stated that the inmate “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if released from custody at this time.”
This marks the second time the governor has blocked her parole, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor opted for “politics over people” and failed to consider the abuse she suffered from the cult figure.
“The governor's decision of her parole approval has nothing to do with the evidence of how much she’s changed or the danger she presents,” stated Keith Wattley, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the evidence and the controlling law.”
Case History of the Crimes
The inmate was 21 when the Manson's followers committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and four others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of multiple counts of murder charges for their roles in the crimes.
Life Behind Bars
In her decades behind bars – she is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys have reported. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is clean, legal counsel noted, which was a key factor the parole board recommended her for release.
Krenwinkel has shown regret for her role in the offenses. Previously, she said: “I want to say my deep regret 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 self-improvement.”
Past Abuse and Reform
An earlier inquiry by the parole board found she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her lawyer said in a statement, adding that she has found her “personal identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.
Similar Instances
The governor has previously blocked parole for other Manson followers. Another follower was freed from California prison in 2023 after over five decades when a state appeals court reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.
