🔗 Share this article California's Governor Blocks Parole for Manson Follower Longtime Inmate Gavin Newsom has once more rejected parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent more than half a century in prison for her involvement in the 1969 murders orchestrated by the cult leader. Governor's Decision Draws Backlash Nearly five months after the state parole panel deemed the elderly fit for freedom, Newsom reversed the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unacceptable risk to society if released from prison at this time.” It was the second instance the governor has prevented her parole, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who claimed the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the mistreatment she endured from the cult figure. “Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has no connection to the evidence of her transformation or the risk she presents,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the facts and the governing regulations.” Background of the Crimes The inmate was 21 when the Manson cult committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of seven counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the crimes. Life Behind Bars In her decades 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, her attorney said, which was a key factor the panel supported her parole. The inmate has shown regret for her actions in the offenses. In 2022, she stated: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.” Past Abuse and Rehabilitation A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney said in a statement, adding that she has developed her “own identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”. Similar Instances The governor has previously blocked release for other former Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was freed from state custody in recent years after 53 years when a state appeals court reversed the governor's ruling to deny her release.