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Gavin Newsom has once more rejected release for the convicted inmate, who has served over half a century in prison for her role in the notorious murders masterminded by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Draws Criticism

Months after the state parole panel deemed the elderly fit for freedom, the governor reversed the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if freed from custody at this time.”

This marks the second instance Newsom has blocked her release, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who argued the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the mistreatment she endured from the cult figure.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has no connection to the evidence of how much she’s changed or the danger she presents,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Background of the Crimes

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson cult carried out the killings of actress Sharon Tate and four others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the attack.

Prison Transformation

In her decades in prison – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys stated. She has obtained higher education and her conduct is clean, legal counsel said, which was a key factor the panel recommended her for release.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her role in the crimes. In 2022, she said: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the parole board found she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her lawyer noted, adding that she has developed her “personal identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously denied release for other former Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was freed from California prison in recent years after over five decades when a court of appeals overturned the governor's ruling to block her parole.