Gavin Newsom Blocks Early Release for Cult Member Patricia Krenwinkel
Gavin Newsom again denied release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent more than half a century behind bars for her involvement in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by the cult leader.
Governor's Decision Draws Backlash
Nearly five months after California’s parole board found the elderly fit for release, the governor reversed the decision and declared that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if released from custody at this time.”
It was the second time the governor has prevented her parole, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor chose “politics over people” and overlooked the mistreatment she suffered from the cult figure.
“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has no connection to the record of how much she’s changed or the danger she poses,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the evidence and the governing regulations.”
Case History of the Crimes
The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson's followers committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and several others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening 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 roles in the attack.
Life Behind Bars
In her decades behind bars – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior 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 a key factor the panel recommended her for release.
The inmate has shown regret for her role in the crimes. In 2022, she stated: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”
Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation
An earlier inquiry by the authorities revealed she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her lawyer noted, stating that she has found her “personal identity, independence, and moral compass”.
Other Cases
Newsom has previously denied parole for other former Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was released from California prison in 2023 after over five decades when a court of appeals reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.