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Gavin Newsom has once more rejected parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over half a century behind bars for her role in the notorious murders masterminded by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Draws Criticism

Months after the state parole panel deemed the 77-year-old suitable for freedom, Newsom reversed the decision and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unreasonable danger to the public if freed from custody at this time.”

It was the second time the governor has prevented her release, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor chose “politics over people” and failed to consider the abuse she suffered from Manson.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has nothing to do with the record of how much she’s changed or the danger she poses,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Background of the Murders

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson's followers committed the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others, including socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of seven counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the attack.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades behind bars – she is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her conduct is spotless, her attorney said, which was a key factor the panel supported her parole.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her role in the offenses. Previously, she said: “I want to say how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the parole board found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her lawyer noted, stating that she has developed her “personal identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously denied parole for other cult members. Another follower was freed from state custody in recent years after 53 years when a state appeals court overturned the governor’s decision to deny her release.