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The governor has once more refused release for the convicted inmate, who has served over five decades behind bars for her role in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash

Nearly five months after California’s parole board found the 77-year-old suitable for freedom, Newsom reversed the ruling and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if released from prison at this time.”

This marks the second instance the governor has prevented her release, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor chose “politics over people” and failed to consider the mistreatment she suffered from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has no connection to the evidence of her transformation or the risk she poses,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and four others, including heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of seven counts of murder charges for their roles in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

Over many years in prison – she is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys have reported. She has obtained higher education and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney noted, which was one of the reasons the parole board recommended her for release.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her role in the offenses. Previously, she stated: “I want to say my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I created when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the authorities revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her attorney noted, adding that she has developed her “personal identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Similar Instances

The governor has previously denied parole for other Manson followers. Another follower was released from state custody in 2023 after over five decades when a state appeals court overturned the governor's ruling to block her parole.