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The governor has once more rejected parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent more than half a century behind bars for her role in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Draws Criticism

Months after California’s parole board deemed the 77-year-old suitable for freedom, the governor reversed the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if released from custody at this time.”

It was the second time Newsom has blocked her parole, and the move was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who argued the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the mistreatment she endured from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has nothing to do with the evidence of her transformation or the danger she presents,” said her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Crimes

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the murders of actor Sharon Tate and four others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of multiple counts of first-degree murder for their roles in the attack.

Prison Transformation

In her decades behind bars – she is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team have reported. She has earned college degrees and her behavior record is spotless, legal counsel said, which was a key factor the panel recommended her for release.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her actions in the offenses. Previously, she said: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] work toward being a better person.”

Past Abuse and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the parole board found she experienced abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her lawyer said in a statement, stating that she has found her “personal identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously blocked parole for other former cult members. Leslie Van Houten was freed from state custody in 2023 after over five decades when a court of appeals reversed the governor’s decision to block her parole.