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The governor has once more denied release for the convicted inmate, who has served more than half a century in prison for her involvement in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Draws Criticism

Nearly five months after California’s parole board deemed the elderly fit for release, Newsom overturned the ruling and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unacceptable risk to the public if released from custody at this time.”

It was the second time Newsom has blocked her parole, and the move was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor opted for “politics over people” and failed to consider the mistreatment she suffered from Manson.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has no connection to the evidence of her transformation or the danger she presents,” said her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actor Sharon Tate and several others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack.

Prison Transformation

Over many years behind bars – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team stated. She has earned college degrees and her conduct is clean, legal counsel said, which was a key factor the panel recommended her for release.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse 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 created when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the parole board found she experienced abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her attorney noted, adding that she has found her “personal identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously denied release for other cult members. Leslie Van Houten was freed from California prison in 2023 after 53 years when a court of appeals overturned the governor’s decision to block her parole.