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The governor again refused release for the convicted inmate, who has spent more than five decades in prison for her involvement in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Sparks Criticism

Nearly five months after California’s parole board deemed the elderly suitable for release, Newsom reversed the decision and declared that the inmate “currently represents an unreasonable danger to the public if freed from prison at this time.”

This marks the second time Newsom has prevented her parole, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who argued the governor opted for “politics over people” and overlooked the mistreatment she suffered from Manson.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has nothing to do with the evidence of her transformation or the danger she presents,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Murders

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actress Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of multiple counts of murder charges for their involvement in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years in prison – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. She has obtained higher education and her behavior record is clean, legal counsel noted, which was a key factor the panel supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her actions in the crimes. In 2022, she said: “I want to say my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney noted, stating that she has developed her “personal identity, independence, and moral compass”.

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously denied release for other former cult members. Another follower was freed from California prison in 2023 after 53 years when a court of appeals overturned the governor’s decision to block her parole.