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The governor has once more denied release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over half a century in prison for her role in the notorious murders orchestrated by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash

Months after the state parole panel deemed the elderly suitable for freedom, Newsom reversed the decision and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if released from custody at this time.”

This marks the second instance the governor has prevented her parole, and the move was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who claimed the governor opted for “politics over people” and failed to consider the mistreatment she endured from Manson.

“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the evidence of how much she’s changed or the danger she poses,” said her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the facts and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Murders

The inmate was 21 when the Manson cult committed the killings of actress Sharon Tate and four others, including socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of seven counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

In her decades in prison – she is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has reformed, friends and her legal team stated. She has earned college degrees and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney noted, which was a key factor the parole board supported her parole.

The inmate has shown regret for her role in the offenses. Previously, she said: “I want to say how terribly sorry I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the parole board found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney noted, adding that she has developed her “own identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously denied parole for other former Manson followers. Another follower was freed from California prison in recent years after over five decades when a state appeals court reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.