California's Governor Again Denies Parole for Manson Follower Longtime Inmate
The governor again refused 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.
Governor's Decision Draws Criticism
Months after California’s parole board found the elderly suitable for release, the governor reversed the decision and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unacceptable risk to the public if freed from custody at this time.”
This marks the second instance Newsom has prevented her parole, and the move was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, 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 no connection to the record of her transformation or the risk she presents,” said Keith Wattley, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the facts and the governing regulations.”
Background of the Crimes
Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson cult carried out the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others, including heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the crimes.
Prison Transformation
In her decades in prison – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys have reported. She has earned college degrees and her behavior record is clean, her attorney said, which was one of the reasons the parole board supported her parole.
Krenwinkel has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. Previously, she said: “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 strive daily to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”
Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation
A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her lawyer said in a statement, adding that she has found her “own identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.
Similar Instances
Newsom has previously blocked parole for other former cult members. Leslie Van Houten was freed from California prison in recent years after 53 years when a court of appeals reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.
