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Gavin Newsom again denied parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent more than half a century in prison for her role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Draws Backlash

Nearly five months after the state parole panel found the 77-year-old fit for release, Newsom reversed the decision and stated that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unacceptable risk to society if freed from prison at this time.”

It was the second instance Newsom has blocked her parole, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the mistreatment she suffered from the cult figure.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has nothing to do with the evidence of her transformation or the risk she presents,” stated Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the facts and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Murders

The inmate was 21 when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actress Sharon Tate and four others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack.

Prison Transformation

Over many years in prison – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys have reported. She has earned college degrees and her behavior record is spotless, legal counsel said, which was a key factor the panel supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. In 2022, she said: “I want to say how terribly sorry I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney said in a statement, adding that she has found her “personal identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Similar Instances

The governor has previously blocked release for other former cult members. Leslie Van Houten was released from state custody in 2023 after over five decades when a state appeals court overturned the governor's ruling to deny her release.