The governor again refused release for the convicted inmate, who has spent more than half a century in prison for her role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by Charles Manson.
Parole Reversal Sparks Backlash
Nearly five months after the state parole panel found the 77-year-old suitable for freedom, the governor overturned the decision and declared that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if released from custody at this time.”
This marks the second instance Newsom has blocked her release, and the move was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor chose “politics over people” and overlooked the abuse she endured from Manson.
“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the record of how much she’s changed or the danger she presents,” said Keith Wattley, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the facts and the controlling law.”
Case History of the Crimes
Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers committed the killings of actress Sharon Tate and four others, including socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of seven counts of murder charges for their roles in the crimes.
Life Behind Bars
In her decades behind bars – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys have reported. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her conduct is clean, legal counsel noted, which was one of the reasons the parole board recommended her for release.
Krenwinkel has shown regret for her actions in the offenses. Previously, she stated: “I want to say my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”
Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation
An earlier inquiry by the parole board found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her attorney said in a statement, stating that she has found her “personal identity, independence, and moral compass”.
Other Cases
Newsom has previously blocked parole for other cult members. Leslie Van Houten was released from state custody in recent years after 53 years when a court of appeals reversed the governor's ruling to deny her release.
