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The governor again rejected parole for the convicted inmate, who has served more than five decades behind bars for her role in the notorious murders masterminded by Charles Manson.

Parole Reversal Draws Criticism

Months after California’s parole board deemed the elderly suitable for release, Newsom reversed the ruling and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if released from prison at this time.”

It was the second instance Newsom has blocked her release, and the move was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor chose “politics over people” and overlooked the abuse she suffered from the cult figure.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has no connection to the record of her transformation or the risk she presents,” stated Keith Wattley, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the facts and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the killings of actor Sharon Tate and four others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of seven counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

In her decades behind bars – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys stated. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is clean, legal counsel said, which was one of the reasons the parole board recommended her for release.

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 all the pain and suffering that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] work toward being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the authorities revealed she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her attorney said in a statement, adding that she has developed her “personal identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously blocked parole for other cult members. Another follower was freed from state custody in recent years after over five decades when a court of appeals overturned the governor’s decision to deny her release.