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Gavin Newsom has once more denied parole for the convicted inmate, who has served more than five decades behind bars for her role in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by Charles Manson.

Parole Reversal Draws Criticism

Nearly five months after California’s parole board deemed the 77-year-old suitable for freedom, Newsom reversed the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if released from custody at this time.”

It was the second time Newsom has prevented her release, and the move was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who argued the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the abuse she endured from the cult figure.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has no connection to the record of her transformation or the danger she presents,” said Keith Wattley, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the facts and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Crimes

The inmate was 21 when the Manson's followers carried out the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of seven counts of murder charges for their roles in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years behind bars – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has reformed, friends and her legal team have reported. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her conduct is clean, her attorney said, which was one of the reasons the parole board supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her role in the offenses. Previously, she said: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the parole board found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her lawyer said in a statement, stating that she has developed her “own identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously blocked parole for other cult members. Leslie Van Houten was freed from state custody in 2023 after over five decades when a state appeals court reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.