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The governor again rejected release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served more than five decades in prison for her involvement in the 1969 murders masterminded by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Sparks Criticism

Months after the state parole panel found the 77-year-old suitable for release, the governor reversed the ruling and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unacceptable risk to society if released from custody at this time.”

This marks the second instance the governor has blocked her parole, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the mistreatment she endured from Manson.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has no connection to the evidence of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” said her attorney, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the facts and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Murders

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and four others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of multiple counts of murder charges for their roles in the attack.

Prison Transformation

In her decades behind bars – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys stated. She has obtained higher education and her conduct is clean, her attorney said, which was one of the reasons 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 created when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the parole board revealed she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney said in a statement, adding that she has found her “personal identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

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