California's Governor Rejects Early Release for Manson Follower Longtime Inmate

Gavin Newsom has once more rejected parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent over half a century behind bars for her role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Sparks Backlash

Nearly five months after the state parole panel found the 77-year-old suitable for release, the governor reversed the decision and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unreasonable danger to the public if released from custody at this time.”

It was the second time the governor has prevented her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who argued the governor opted for “politics over people” and failed to consider 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 risk she poses,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Murders

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the killings of actor Sharon Tate and four others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the attack.

Prison Transformation

Over many years behind bars – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. She has earned college degrees and her conduct is clean, her attorney said, which was a key factor the panel supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. In 2022, she said: “I want to say my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her lawyer noted, adding that she has found her “own identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously blocked parole for other former cult members. Another follower was freed from California prison in recent years after 53 years when a court of appeals reversed the governor’s decision to deny her release.