🔗 Share this article California's Governor Rejects Parole for Manson Follower Longtime Inmate The governor again rejected release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over five decades in prison for her role in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by Charles Manson. Parole Reversal Draws Criticism Nearly five months after the state parole panel deemed the 77-year-old suitable for freedom, Newsom reversed the ruling and declared that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unacceptable risk to society if released from prison at this time.” This marks the second instance the governor 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 failed to consider the mistreatment she endured from the cult figure. “Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has no connection to the evidence of how much she’s changed or the danger she poses,” stated her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, directly contrary 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, among them socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of seven counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the attack. Life Behind Bars Over many years behind bars – she is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys have reported. She has obtained higher education and her behavior record is clean, her attorney said, which was one of the reasons the panel supported her parole. Krenwinkel has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. In 2022, she said: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I created when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] focus on being a better person.” Previous Mistreatment and Reform An earlier inquiry by the parole board revealed she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney noted, stating that she has developed her “personal identity, independence, and moral compass”. Other Cases Newsom has previously denied parole for other former cult members. Another follower was freed from California prison in 2023 after 53 years when a state appeals court overturned the governor's ruling to block her parole.