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

Parole Reversal Sparks Criticism

Months after the state parole panel deemed the 77-year-old fit for freedom, the governor reversed the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if released from prison at this time.”

This marks the second instance the governor has prevented her parole, and the decision was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who argued the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the mistreatment she suffered from Manson.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has no connection to the evidence of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” said her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Murders

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson's followers carried out the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others, including socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years in prison – she is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has reformed, friends and her legal team have reported. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her conduct is spotless, her attorney noted, which was a key factor the parole board recommended her for release.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. In 2022, she said: “I wish to express how terribly sorry 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] work toward self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she experienced abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her lawyer noted, stating that she has developed her “own identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Similar Instances

The governor has previously blocked release for other Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was freed from state custody in 2023 after over five decades when a court of appeals reversed the governor's ruling to deny her release.