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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 notorious Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Draws Criticism

Nearly five months after California’s parole board found the 77-year-old fit for freedom, the governor overturned the ruling and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unacceptable risk to society if freed from prison at this time.”

This marks the second time Newsom has blocked her release, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the mistreatment she endured from the cult figure.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has nothing to do with the record of her transformation or the danger she presents,” said her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Crimes

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the killings of actress Sharon Tate and four others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist 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 multiple counts of murder charges for their involvement in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

In her decades in prison – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys have reported. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her conduct is spotless, her attorney noted, which was a key factor the panel recommended her for release.

The inmate has shown regret for her actions in the offenses. Previously, she stated: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I created when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the authorities found she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her attorney said in a statement, stating that she has developed her “personal identity, independence, and moral compass”.

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously blocked parole for other former Manson followers. Another follower was released from state custody in 2023 after 53 years when a state appeals court overturned the governor’s decision to block her parole.