California's Governor Again Denies Parole for Manson Follower Longtime Inmate
The governor has once more refused parole for the convicted inmate, who has served more than half a century behind bars for her role in the 1969 murders masterminded by the cult leader.
Parole Reversal Draws Criticism
Nearly five months after the state parole panel found the elderly fit for release, the governor overturned the ruling and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unacceptable risk to society if released from custody at this time.”
It was the second instance the governor has blocked her parole, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who argued the governor opted for “politics over people” and failed to consider the abuse she endured from the cult figure.
“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the record of her transformation or the risk she poses,” stated Keith Wattley, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the evidence and the governing regulations.”
Case History of the Murders
The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson's followers committed the murders of actress Sharon Tate and several others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of multiple counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack.
Prison Transformation
Over many years behind bars – she is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is spotless, legal counsel said, which was one of the reasons the parole board supported her parole.
Krenwinkel has shown regret for her role in the offenses. In 2022, she said: “I want to say 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] focus on self-improvement.”
Past Abuse and Reform
A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney noted, adding that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and moral compass”.
Other Cases
Newsom has previously blocked release for other former Manson followers. Another follower was released from state custody in 2023 after 53 years when a court of appeals overturned the governor's ruling to block her parole.
