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The governor again rejected parole for the convicted inmate, who has served more than five decades behind bars for her involvement in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Sparks Criticism

Nearly five months after the state parole panel deemed the 77-year-old fit for release, the governor reversed the decision and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unacceptable risk to society if freed from prison at this time.”

It was the second instance Newsom has blocked her parole, and the decision was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who claimed the governor opted for “politics over people” and overlooked the abuse she endured from the cult figure.

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

Case History of the Murders

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson cult carried out the murders of actor Sharon Tate and four others, including socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

Over many years in prison – she is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – 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 a key factor the parole board recommended her for release.

The inmate has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. In 2022, she stated: “I want to say my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the authorities revealed she experienced abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her lawyer said in a statement, adding that she has developed her “personal identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously blocked parole for other cult members. Another follower was freed from California prison in 2023 after over five decades when a state appeals court overturned the governor’s decision to block her parole.