Gavin Newsom Again Denies Early Release for Manson Follower Patricia Krenwinkel

Gavin Newsom again rejected release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent more than half a century in prison for her role in the 1969 murders orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Sparks Criticism

Nearly five months after the state parole panel deemed the elderly 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.”

It was the second instance the governor has blocked her parole, and the move was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who argued the governor opted for “politics over people” and failed to consider the abuse she suffered from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has no connection to the record of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” stated Keith Wattley, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the facts and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Murders

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson cult carried out the murders of actor 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 LaBianca. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of multiple counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years in prison – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys stated. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney said, which was one of the reasons the parole board supported her parole.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her actions in the crimes. Previously, she stated: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I created when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] work toward being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the authorities revealed she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney said in a statement, stating that she has developed her “own identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously blocked release for other former cult members. Leslie Van Houten was freed from state custody in 2023 after over five decades when a state appeals court overturned the governor’s decision to block her parole.