California's Governor Blocks Early Release for Cult Member Longtime Inmate
The governor again refused parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent over five decades behind bars for her role in the 1969 murders orchestrated by Charles Manson.
Governor's Decision Draws Criticism
Months after the state parole panel found the elderly suitable for freedom, Newsom overturned the decision and stated that the inmate “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if freed from prison at this time.”
It was the second time Newsom has prevented her release, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the mistreatment she suffered from Manson.
“The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has no connection to the evidence of how much she’s changed or the risk she presents,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the facts and the controlling law.”
Background of the Murders
The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson's followers committed the killings of actress Sharon Tate and four others, including socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack.
Prison Transformation
Over many years behind bars – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney said, which was a key factor the panel recommended her for release.
Krenwinkel has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. Previously, she stated: “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 make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”
Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation
An earlier inquiry by the parole board revealed she experienced abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her lawyer noted, stating that she has found her “own identity, independence, and moral compass”.
Similar Instances
The governor has previously denied release for other former Manson followers. Another follower was released from California prison in recent years after 53 years when a court of appeals overturned the governor’s decision to block her parole.
