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Gavin Newsom again refused parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent over five decades in prison for her role in the 1969 murders masterminded by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Draws Criticism

Months after California’s parole board deemed the 77-year-old suitable for freedom, the governor overturned the ruling and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if freed from custody at this time.”

This marks the second time Newsom has prevented her parole, and the move was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who argued the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the abuse she suffered from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has nothing to do with the evidence of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actor Sharon Tate and four others, including socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

Over many years in prison – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team stated. She has earned college degrees and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney noted, which was one of the reasons the panel recommended her for release.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her role in the crimes. In 2022, she said: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the parole board found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her attorney noted, stating that she has developed her “own identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously blocked release for other Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was released from state custody in recent years after over five decades when a state appeals court overturned the governor's ruling to deny her release.