🔗 Share this article California's Governor Rejects Parole for Cult Member Longtime Inmate The governor has once more rejected release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over half a century behind bars for her involvement in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by Charles Manson. Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash Months after California’s parole board found the 77-year-old fit for freedom, the governor overturned the ruling and declared that the inmate “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if freed from prison at this time.” It was the second instance the governor has prevented her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who argued the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the mistreatment she suffered from the cult figure. “The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the record of how much she’s changed or the risk she presents,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.” Background of the Crimes The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson's followers carried out the murders of actress Sharon Tate and several others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed 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 crimes. Prison Transformation Over many years in prison – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team stated. She has earned college degrees and her behavior record is spotless, legal counsel said, which was a key factor the panel recommended her for release. Krenwinkel 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 ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.” Previous Mistreatment and Reform A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her attorney noted, stating that she has developed her “personal identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”. Other Cases Newsom has previously blocked release for other cult members. Another follower was released from California prison in 2023 after 53 years when a court of appeals overturned the governor’s decision to block her parole.