California's Governor Rejects Early Release for Cult Member Longtime Inmate
Gavin Newsom again rejected parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent more than half a century behind bars for her role in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by the cult leader.
Parole Reversal Sparks Criticism
Months after California’s parole board deemed the 77-year-old fit for freedom, the governor overturned the ruling and declared that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if freed from custody at this time.”
This marks the second time the governor has blocked her release, and the decision 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 endured from the cult figure.
“The governor's decision of her parole approval has no connection to the evidence of how much she’s changed or the danger she presents,” said her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the evidence and the controlling law.”
Background of the Crimes
The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson cult carried out the killings of actor Sharon Tate and several others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the crimes.
Life Behind Bars
Over many years in prison – she is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. She has obtained higher education and her conduct is clean, her attorney noted, which was a key factor the parole board recommended her for release.
The inmate has shown regret for her role in the offenses. In 2022, she stated: “I want to say 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 live amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”
Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation
A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney noted, stating that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.
Similar Instances
Newsom has previously blocked parole for other former Manson followers. Another follower was freed from state custody in recent years after 53 years when a court of appeals reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.
