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Gavin Newsom has once more refused release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over half a century behind bars for her role in the 1969 murders masterminded by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Draws Backlash

Months after the state parole panel found the elderly fit for freedom, Newsom overturned the decision and declared that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unacceptable risk to the public if freed from custody at this time.”

This marks the second time the governor has blocked her release, and the move was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the mistreatment she endured from Manson.

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has no connection to the record of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” stated Keith Wattley, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Crimes

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and four others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack.

Prison Transformation

In her decades in prison – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team have reported. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her conduct is clean, legal counsel noted, which was one of the reasons the panel recommended her for release.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her actions in the offenses. In 2022, she stated: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her attorney noted, adding that she has developed her “personal identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously blocked release for other former Manson followers. Another follower was released from California prison in 2023 after 53 years when a court of appeals reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.