California's Governor Rejects Parole for Cult Member Longtime Inmate
Gavin Newsom has once more refused parole for the convicted inmate, who has served more than half a century behind bars for her involvement in the notorious murders orchestrated by Charles Manson.
Parole Reversal Sparks Criticism
Nearly five months after the state parole panel deemed the 77-year-old fit for freedom, Newsom reversed the decision and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unacceptable risk to society if released from custody at this time.”
This marks the second instance Newsom has prevented her parole, 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 suffered from Manson.
“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the record of her transformation or the risk she presents,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the facts and the controlling law.”
Background of the Murders
The inmate was 21 when the Manson's followers carried out the murders of actress Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the crimes.
Prison Transformation
In her decades in prison – she is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. She has earned college degrees and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney said, which was a key factor the parole board recommended her for release.
The inmate has shown regret 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 live amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”
Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation
A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her attorney said in a statement, adding that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.
Other Cases
The governor has previously blocked release for other cult members. Another follower was released from state custody in recent years after 53 years when a state appeals court overturned the governor's ruling to deny her release.
