California's Governor Again Denies Early Release for Cult Member Patricia Krenwinkel
The governor again rejected release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over half a century behind bars for her role in the notorious murders masterminded by Charles Manson.
Parole Reversal Sparks Criticism
Nearly five months after the state parole panel found the elderly suitable for freedom, the governor overturned the decision and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if freed from custody at this time.”
This marks the second instance the governor has prevented her parole, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who argued the governor chose “politics over people” and failed to consider the mistreatment she endured from the cult figure.
“The governor's decision of her parole approval has no connection to the evidence of her transformation or the danger she poses,” stated Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.”
Background of the Crimes
Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson cult carried out the murders of actress Sharon Tate and several others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of multiple counts of murder charges for their roles in the attack.
Prison Transformation
In her decades behind bars – she is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has reformed, friends and her legal team have reported. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her conduct is clean, her attorney said, which was one of the reasons the panel recommended her for release.
The inmate has shown regret for her role in the offenses. Previously, she stated: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”
Previous Mistreatment and Reform
A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her attorney said in a statement, adding that she has developed her “own identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.
Other Cases
The governor has previously denied release for other former cult members. Leslie Van Houten was freed from state custody in 2023 after 53 years when a court of appeals reversed the governor's ruling to deny her release.
