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Gavin Newsom again denied release for the convicted inmate, who has spent over five decades in prison for her involvement in the 1969 murders orchestrated by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Draws Backlash

Months after California’s parole board found the elderly suitable for release, the governor reversed the decision and declared that the inmate “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if released from prison at this time.”

It was the second instance Newsom has blocked her release, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who argued the governor chose “politics over people” and overlooked the abuse she suffered from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has nothing to do with the record of her transformation or the danger she poses,” said her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Crimes

The inmate was 21 when the Manson's followers committed the killings of actress Sharon Tate and four others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years in prison – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her conduct is clean, legal counsel said, which was one of the reasons the parole board supported her parole.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her role in the crimes. Previously, she said: “I want to say how terribly sorry I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she experienced abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her attorney noted, adding that she has found her “personal identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously denied parole for other former Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was released from California prison in recent years after 53 years when a state appeals court reversed the governor's ruling to deny her release.