California's Governor Blocks Early Release for Manson Follower Patricia Krenwinkel
The governor has once more rejected release for the convicted inmate, who has spent more than half a century behind bars for her role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson.
Parole Reversal Draws Criticism
Nearly five months after California’s parole board found the 77-year-old suitable for freedom, the governor reversed the ruling and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unacceptable risk to the public if released from prison at this time.”
This marks the second time the governor has prevented her parole, and the move was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who claimed the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the abuse she suffered from the cult figure.
“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the evidence of her transformation or the danger she presents,” said her attorney, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.”
Background of the Murders
The inmate was 21 when the Manson's followers committed the murders of actress Sharon Tate and several others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of seven counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the attack.
Life Behind Bars
In her decades in prison – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team stated. She has obtained higher education and her behavior record is clean, her attorney noted, which was a key factor the parole board recommended her for release.
The inmate has expressed remorse for her role in the offenses. In 2022, she said: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for all the pain and suffering 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 Rehabilitation
An earlier inquiry by the parole board revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, stating that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.
Similar Instances
Newsom has previously denied release for other cult members. Another follower was freed from California prison in recent years after over five decades when a court of appeals reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.
