California's Governor Rejects Early Release for Manson Follower Longtime Inmate

The governor has once more denied release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over half a century behind bars for her involvement in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Draws Criticism

Nearly five months after California’s parole board deemed the 77-year-old suitable for freedom, the governor overturned the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unacceptable risk to society if freed from prison at this time.”

It was the second instance the governor has blocked her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor opted for “politics over people” and failed to consider the mistreatment she endured from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the record of her transformation or the danger she presents,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the facts and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actor Sharon Tate and four others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of murder charges for their roles in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years 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 clean, legal counsel noted, which was one of the reasons the panel recommended her for release.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her role in the offenses. Previously, she said: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the authorities found she experienced abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her lawyer said in a statement, adding that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously denied release for other former Manson followers. Another follower was released from state custody in recent years after over five decades when a court of appeals overturned the governor's ruling to block her parole.