California's Governor Again Denies Early Release for Cult Member Patricia Krenwinkel
The governor again denied parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over five decades in prison for her involvement in the notorious murders orchestrated by Charles Manson.
Governor's Decision Draws Criticism
Nearly five months after California’s parole board deemed the elderly suitable for release, Newsom overturned the decision and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if released from custody at this time.”
It was the second time Newsom has blocked her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor opted for “politics over people” and overlooked the abuse she suffered from the cult figure.
“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has no connection to the record of her transformation or the risk she poses,” said her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.”
Background of the Crimes
Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson cult carried out the murders of actor Sharon Tate and four others, including socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of seven counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the crimes.
Prison Transformation
Over many years in prison – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has reformed, friends and her legal team have reported. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her conduct is spotless, her attorney noted, which was one of the reasons the panel supported her parole.
The inmate has shown regret for her role in the crimes. In 2022, she said: “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] work toward being a better person.”
Previous Mistreatment and Reform
An earlier inquiry by the parole board found she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her attorney said in a statement, adding that she has found her “own identity, independence, and moral compass”.
Other Cases
Newsom has previously blocked parole for other former cult members. Another follower was released from California prison in recent years after over five decades when a court of appeals overturned the governor's ruling to deny her release.
