Gavin Newsom Rejects Early Release for Manson Follower Patricia Krenwinkel
The governor has once more refused release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over half a century in prison 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 suitable for release, Newsom reversed the decision and stated that the inmate “currently represents an unacceptable risk to society if released from prison at this time.”
It was the second time Newsom has prevented her parole, and the move was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor chose “politics over people” and overlooked the abuse she endured from the cult figure.
“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has no connection to the evidence of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” stated Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the evidence and the governing regulations.”
Case History of the Crimes
Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actor Sharon Tate and several others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of murder charges 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 stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney noted, which was a key factor the parole board supported her parole.
The inmate has shown regret for her actions 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 strive daily to live amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”
Past Abuse and Rehabilitation
An earlier inquiry by the authorities found she experienced abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her attorney said in a statement, stating that she has found her “own identity, independence, and moral compass”.
Similar Instances
The governor has previously denied parole for other cult members. Another follower was released from California prison in 2023 after 53 years when a state appeals court reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.