🔗 Share this article Gavin Newsom Again Denies Parole for Manson Follower Patricia Krenwinkel The governor again rejected parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent over five decades in prison for her involvement in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by Charles Manson. Governor's Decision Sparks Criticism Nearly five months after the state parole panel deemed the elderly fit for freedom, Newsom reversed the ruling and stated that the inmate “currently represents an unreasonable danger to the public if freed from custody at this time.” It was the second time Newsom has blocked her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor chose “politics over people” and failed to consider the mistreatment she endured from Manson. “The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the evidence of how much she’s changed or the risk she presents,” said 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 committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of multiple counts of murder charges for their roles in the crimes. Life Behind Bars In her decades behind bars – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has reformed, friends and her legal team stated. She has obtained higher education and her behavior record is clean, her attorney said, which was a key factor the parole board recommended her for release. Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her role in the crimes. Previously, 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 live amends … [and] work toward 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 lawyer noted, adding that she has developed her “own identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”. Similar Instances The governor has previously denied parole for other Manson followers. Another follower was released from California prison in recent years after 53 years when a state appeals court reversed the governor's ruling to deny her release.