California Governor Gavin Newsom has for the second time denied parole to Patricia Krenwinkel, a follower of Charles Manson who has spent over 50 years in prison for her role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders. The 77-year-old, the state's longest-serving female prisoner, was found suitable for release by the parole board in May, but Newsom reversed the decision on Monday, stating she 'currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if released from prison at this time'.
Krenwinkel's attorney, Keith Wattley, criticised the governor's decision, accusing him of choosing 'politics over people' and disregarding the abuse Krenwinkel suffered from Manson. Wattley argued that the reversal was '100% political' and contradicted evidence of her rehabilitation and low risk.
Krenwinkel was 21 when she participated in the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others, followed by the killings of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca. Convicted in 1971 of seven counts of first-degree murder, she has since earned college degrees and maintained a clean disciplinary record in prison, factors that contributed to the parole board's recommendation.
In 2022, Krenwinkel expressed remorse, saying she was 'terribly sorry for all the pain and suffering' she caused. A 2017 investigation found she experienced physical, emotional, and sexual violence from Manson. Newsom has previously blocked parole for other Manson followers, though Leslie Van Houten was released in 2023 after a court overturned his decision.
