Gavin Newsom Blocks Parole for Manson Follower Longtime Inmate

Gavin Newsom again refused release for the convicted inmate, who has served over five decades behind bars for her role in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Draws Backlash

Months after the state parole panel deemed the elderly suitable for freedom, the governor overturned the decision and stated that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unreasonable danger to the public if released from custody at this time.”

This marks the second time the governor has blocked her parole, and the move was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who argued the governor chose “politics over people” and failed to consider the abuse she endured from Manson.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has no connection to the record of her transformation or the danger she poses,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Murders

The inmate was 21 when the Manson cult carried out the killings of actress Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

In her decades behind bars – she is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has reformed, friends and her legal team stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her behavior record is spotless, legal counsel said, which was one of the reasons the parole board recommended her for release.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her actions in the offenses. In 2022, she stated: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, adding that she has developed her “own identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Similar Instances

The governor has previously blocked parole for other former Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was released from California prison in recent years after 53 years when a court of appeals overturned the governor’s decision to block her parole.