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The governor again denied release for the convicted inmate, who has spent more than five decades behind bars for her role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings 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, the governor reversed the decision and stated that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unacceptable risk to the public if freed from custody at this time.”

This marks the second time the governor has blocked her parole, and the decision was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who argued the governor chose “politics over people” and overlooked the mistreatment she suffered from Manson.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has nothing to do with the record of her transformation or the risk she presents,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson's followers committed the killings of actress Sharon Tate and several others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years behind bars – she is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys have reported. She has obtained higher education and her conduct is spotless, legal counsel said, which was one of the reasons the panel recommended her for release.

The inmate 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 took the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the authorities revealed she experienced abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her attorney said in a statement, adding that she has found her “own identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.

Similar Instances

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