Gavin Newsom Blocks Parole for Manson Follower Patricia Krenwinkel

The governor again denied release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served more than half a century behind bars for her role in the notorious murders masterminded by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Draws Backlash

Months after the state parole panel found the elderly suitable for freedom, Newsom reversed the ruling and stated that the inmate “currently represents an unreasonable danger to the public if released from prison at this time.”

It was the second instance the governor has blocked her parole, and the move was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who argued the governor opted for “politics over people” and failed to consider the mistreatment she endured from the cult figure.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has no connection to the record of her transformation or the risk she presents,” said her attorney, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Background of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson's followers carried out the murders of actress Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of multiple counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack.

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 earned college degrees and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney said, which was one of the reasons the parole board recommended her for release.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her actions in the offenses. In 2022, she stated: “I wish to express 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 make amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her attorney said in a statement, adding that she has found her “own identity, independence, and moral compass”.

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously denied release for other former Manson followers. Another follower was freed from state custody in 2023 after over five decades when a court of appeals overturned the governor’s decision to deny her release.