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Gavin Newsom has once more refused parole for the convicted inmate, who has served over five decades behind bars for her involvement in the 1969 murders masterminded by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Sparks Criticism

Nearly five months after California’s parole board found the elderly fit for freedom, the governor reversed the ruling and declared that the inmate “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if freed from custody at this time.”

It was the second instance the governor has blocked her parole, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the mistreatment she suffered from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has no connection to the evidence of how much she’s changed or the risk she presents,” said her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Murders

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actor Sharon Tate and four others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

In her decades behind bars – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her conduct is spotless, legal counsel noted, which was one of the reasons the panel recommended her for release.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her role in the crimes. Previously, she said: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, adding that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously blocked parole for other cult members. Another follower was freed from state custody in recent years after 53 years when a court of appeals reversed the governor's ruling to deny her release.