Gavin Newsom Blocks Parole for Cult Member Patricia Krenwinkel
Gavin Newsom again denied release for the convicted inmate, who has spent over five decades in prison for her involvement in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by the cult leader.
Governor's Decision Draws Criticism
Months after the state parole panel deemed the 77-year-old suitable for freedom, Newsom overturned the ruling and declared that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unacceptable risk to the public if freed from custody at this time.”
It was the second time the governor has prevented her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who claimed the governor chose “politics over people” and overlooked the mistreatment she endured from Manson.
“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has nothing to do with the record of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” stated Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the facts and the controlling law.”
Case History of the Crimes
Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson cult carried out the killings of actor Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the crimes.
Prison Transformation
Over many years in prison – she is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys have reported. She has obtained higher education and her conduct is clean, legal counsel said, which was one of the reasons the panel supported her parole.
The inmate has expressed remorse 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 created when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”
Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation
An earlier inquiry by the parole board found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, adding that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.
Similar Instances
The governor has previously denied release for other Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was freed from state custody in 2023 after over five decades when a state appeals court overturned the governor's ruling to deny her release.