California's Governor Blocks Early Release for Cult Member Patricia Krenwinkel
The governor has once more denied parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent more than half a century behind bars for her involvement in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by the cult leader.
Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash
Months after California’s parole board found the 77-year-old fit for freedom, the governor overturned the decision and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unacceptable risk to society if freed from prison at this time.”
It was the second time Newsom has prevented her release, and the move was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor chose “politics over people” and overlooked the abuse she suffered from the cult figure.
“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has nothing to do with the record of her transformation or the risk she presents,” said Keith Wattley, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the evidence and the governing regulations.”
Background of the Crimes
Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson's followers committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and several others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the attack.
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 behavior record is clean, her attorney said, which was one of the reasons the panel recommended her for release.
The inmate has shown regret for her role in the offenses. In 2022, she stated: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”
Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation
A 2017 investigation by the parole board found she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her attorney noted, adding that she has found her “personal identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.
Similar Instances
Newsom has previously blocked release for other former cult members. Leslie Van Houten was released from state custody in recent years after 53 years when a court of appeals reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.
