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The governor has once more rejected parole for the convicted inmate, who has served more than half a century behind bars for her role in the 1969 murders masterminded by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash

Nearly five months after California’s parole board deemed the elderly fit for release, Newsom overturned the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if released from custody at this time.”

This marks the second time Newsom has prevented her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who claimed the governor chose “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 record of how much she’s changed or the danger she presents,” said her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the facts and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Murders

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers committed the killings of actress Sharon Tate and four others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades in prison – she is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has reformed, friends and her legal team have reported. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her conduct is clean, legal counsel noted, which was a key factor the panel supported her parole.

The inmate has shown regret for her role in the offenses. In 2022, she said: “I want to say my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the parole board found she endured abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her attorney noted, adding that she has found her “own identity, independence, and moral compass”.

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously denied parole for other Manson followers. Another follower was released from state custody in recent years after 53 years when a state appeals court reversed the governor's ruling to deny her release.