🔗 Share this article

The governor has once more refused release for the convicted inmate, who has served over half a century in prison for her role in the 1969 murders orchestrated by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Sparks Criticism

Nearly five months after California’s parole board found the elderly suitable for release, Newsom reversed the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if freed from prison at this time.”

This marks the second time the governor has prevented her parole, and the move was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the mistreatment she suffered from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has no connection to the record of her transformation or the risk she presents,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Crimes

The inmate was 21 when the Manson cult committed the killings of actor Sharon Tate and several others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of seven counts of murder charges for their roles in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years in prison – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys have reported. She has obtained higher education and her behavior record is clean, legal counsel said, which was a key factor the panel recommended her for release.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her role in the offenses. Previously, she stated: “I want to say my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, stating that she has found her “own identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously denied parole for other former Manson followers. Another follower was released from California prison in recent years after 53 years when a state appeals court overturned the governor’s decision to block her parole.