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The governor has once more rejected parole for the convicted inmate, who has served over half a century behind bars for her involvement in the 1969 murders orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash

Nearly five months after California’s parole board deemed the elderly suitable for release, the governor reversed the ruling and declared that the inmate “currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if freed from prison at this time.”

This marks the second time the governor has prevented her release, and the move 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 abuse she endured from Manson.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has no connection to the record of her transformation or the danger she presents,” said her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Background of the Murders

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actor Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the attack.

Prison Transformation

Over many years 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 behavior record is clean, her attorney said, which was one of the reasons the parole board recommended her for release.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her role in the offenses. In 2022, she said: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the parole board found she experienced 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 former Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was freed from California prison in recent years after 53 years when a court of appeals overturned the governor's ruling to block her parole.