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Gavin Newsom has once more denied parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent over half a century in prison for her role in the notorious murders masterminded by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash

Nearly five months after the state parole panel found the elderly fit for release, the governor overturned the ruling and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if released from custody at this time.”

It was the second time Newsom has prevented her release, and the move was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who claimed the governor opted for “politics over people” and overlooked the abuse she endured from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the record of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the facts and the controlling law.”

Background of the Murders

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the killings of actor Sharon Tate and several others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of seven counts of murder charges for their roles in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years in prison – she is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team have reported. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her conduct is clean, legal counsel noted, which was one of the reasons the panel recommended her for release.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her actions in the crimes. Previously, she stated: “I wish to express 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] focus on being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the authorities revealed she experienced abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her lawyer said in a statement, adding that she has found her “own identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

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