🔗 Share this article California's Governor Again Denies Parole for Manson Follower Longtime Inmate Gavin Newsom has once more rejected parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over half a century behind bars for her role in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson. Parole Reversal Sparks Criticism Months after the state parole panel found the elderly suitable for freedom, Newsom overturned the ruling and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unacceptable risk 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 Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor opted for “politics over people” and overlooked the abuse she endured from the cult figure. “The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has no connection to the evidence of her transformation or the risk she poses,” said her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the facts and the controlling law.” Background of the Murders Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson cult carried out the killings of actor Sharon Tate and four others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the crimes. Prison Transformation In her decades in prison – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys have reported. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her conduct is spotless, legal counsel noted, which was one of the reasons the panel supported her parole. Krenwinkel has shown regret for her role in the crimes. Previously, she stated: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] work toward being a better person.” Past Abuse and Reform An earlier inquiry by the authorities found she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, adding that she has developed her “personal identity, independence, and ethical guidance”. Similar Instances Newsom has previously blocked parole for other former Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was freed from state custody in recent years after over five decades when a state appeals court overturned the governor's ruling to block her parole.