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The governor again refused release for the convicted inmate, who has served more than half a century in prison for her involvement in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Draws Backlash

Months after California’s parole board deemed the elderly suitable for release, the governor overturned the decision and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unreasonable danger to the public if freed from prison at this time.”

This marks the second time the governor has blocked her parole, and the move was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor opted for “politics over people” and overlooked the abuse she suffered from the cult figure.

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has no connection to the record of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” said her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Background of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others, including socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack.

Prison Transformation

Over many years in prison – she is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys have reported. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her behavior record is spotless, legal counsel said, which was a key factor the parole board supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her actions in the crimes. 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 being a better person.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her attorney said in a statement, stating that she has found her “personal identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously blocked parole for other former cult members. Leslie Van Houten was freed from California prison in recent years after 53 years when a state appeals court reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.