California's Governor Rejects Parole for Cult Member Longtime Inmate

The governor again rejected parole for the convicted inmate, who has served more than five decades in prison for her involvement in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Parole Reversal Draws Criticism

Nearly five months after California’s parole board deemed the 77-year-old suitable for release, Newsom reversed the ruling and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unreasonable danger to the public if freed from custody at this time.”

It was the second instance Newsom has prevented her parole, and the move was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor opted for “politics over people” and overlooked the mistreatment she suffered from Manson.

“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the record of her transformation or the risk she presents,” stated her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Murders

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson cult carried out the killings of actress Sharon Tate and four others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of multiple counts of murder charges for their roles in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years behind bars – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her behavior record is spotless, legal counsel noted, which was one of the reasons the panel supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her role in the crimes. Previously, she stated: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her attorney noted, stating that she has found her “own identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Similar Instances

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