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The governor has once more denied parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent more than five decades behind bars for her involvement in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Draws Criticism

Nearly five months after California’s parole board deemed the elderly fit for release, Newsom overturned the decision and stated that the inmate “currently represents an unreasonable danger to the public if freed from prison at this time.”

This marks the second time Newsom has blocked her release, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the abuse she endured from Manson.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has nothing to do with the evidence of her transformation or the risk she poses,” said her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Crimes

The inmate was 21 when the Manson's followers committed the killings of actor Sharon Tate and several others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

Over many years behind bars – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys have reported. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her conduct is spotless, legal counsel said, which was a key factor the parole board recommended her for release.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her role in the offenses. In 2022, 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 make amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the authorities revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her lawyer said in a statement, stating that she has developed her “personal identity, independence, and moral compass”.

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously denied release for other cult members. Leslie Van Houten was freed from California prison in 2023 after over five decades when a state appeals court overturned the governor's ruling to deny her release.