In a decisive move that underscores the enduring gravity of the Manson Family crimes, California Governor Gavin Newsom has overturned the parole recommendation for Patricia Krenwinkel, one of Charles Manson's most devoted followers and the state's longest-serving female inmate.
Fifty-Five Years Behind Bars: No Freedom for Manson Disciple
The 76-year-old convict, who has spent more than half a century in prison for her participation in the horrific 1969 murder spree, will remain incarcerated at the California Institution for Women in Corona. Governor Newsom's intervention marks the fourth time state authorities have blocked Krenwinkel's release since she first became eligible for parole in 2016.
"Ms. Krenwinkel has not yet developed sufficient insight, acceptance of responsibility, or remorse," Governor Newsom stated in his formal decision, highlighting her continued "failure to avoid potential triggers for violent behaviour."
The Night That Shook America
Krenwinkel's crimes remain among the most notorious in American criminal history. On August 10, 1969, she actively participated in the brutal murders of pregnant actress Sharon Tate and four others at the director Roman Polanski's Los Angeles home. The following night, she joined the killing of grocery chain owner Leno LaBianca and his wife Rosemary.
Prosecutors described particularly gruesome details of Krenwinkel's involvement, including stabbing Abigail Folger multiple times and using a towel to wipe blood from the scene. Perhaps most chillingly, she admitted to using the victims' blood to scrawl the word "WAR" on the LaBiancas' refrigerator.
A Pattern of Rejection
This latest decision continues a consistent pattern of gubernatorial intervention in Manson Family parole cases:
- Former Governor Jerry Brown rejected Krenwinkel's parole three times
- Governor Newsom has now blocked her release once
- Multiple other Manson followers remain behind bars despite parole recommendations
Legal experts note that while California has moved toward releasing aging inmates who no longer pose public safety risks, the Manson crimes continue to represent an exception to this trend. The brutality and cult-like nature of the murders have cemented their status as crimes that transcend normal sentencing considerations.
The Enduring Legacy of Terror
Now 76 years old and having served 55 years of her life sentence, Krenwinkel becomes one of California's most senior prisoners. Her case continues to raise difficult questions about redemption, punishment, and whether some crimes are so heinous that they warrant permanent incarceration regardless of the offender's age or rehabilitation claims.
With Governor Newsom's firm stance, it appears the state of California remains unwilling to grant freedom to those who participated in the murders that forever changed Hollywood and the nation's sense of security.
