🔗 Share this article Gavin Newsom Blocks Early Release for Manson Follower Patricia Krenwinkel The governor has once more rejected release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent over half a century behind bars for her involvement in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson. Parole Reversal Sparks Backlash Nearly five months after the state parole panel found the 77-year-old fit for freedom, the governor reversed the ruling and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unacceptable risk to the public if freed from custody at this time.” It was the second time Newsom has prevented her parole, and the move was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who argued the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the abuse she endured from Manson. “Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has no connection to the evidence of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” said Keith Wattley, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the facts and the controlling law.” Background of the Murders Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actress Sharon Tate and four others, including socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack. Life Behind Bars Over many years behind bars – she is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys have reported. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney said, which was one of the reasons the panel supported her parole. The inmate has expressed remorse for her actions in the offenses. In 2022, she said: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] focus on being a better person.” Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation A 2017 investigation by the authorities revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her attorney said in a statement, adding that she has found her “personal identity, independence, and ethical guidance”. Similar Instances The governor has previously denied parole for other cult members. Another follower was released from California prison in 2023 after over five decades when a state appeals court overturned the governor’s decision to block her parole.