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The governor has once more denied parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent more than half a century behind bars for her role in the notorious murders masterminded by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Draws Backlash

Nearly five months after the state parole panel found the 77-year-old suitable for release, Newsom reversed the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unacceptable risk to the public if freed from prison at this time.”

It was the second time the governor has blocked her parole, 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 mistreatment she suffered from Manson.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has nothing to do with the record of how much she’s changed or the risk she presents,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Murders

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson cult carried out the killings of actress Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the attack.

Prison Transformation

In her decades behind bars – she is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team stated. She has earned college degrees and her behavior record is clean, legal counsel said, which was one of the reasons the panel supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her role in the crimes. Previously, 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] work toward self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the parole board revealed she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her lawyer said in a statement, adding that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously denied parole for other former cult members. Another follower was released from state custody in 2023 after 53 years when a state appeals court overturned the governor's ruling to deny her release.