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The governor again refused parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent more than five decades behind bars for her involvement in the 1969 murders orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Draws Backlash

Months after California’s parole board deemed the 77-year-old suitable for freedom, Newsom overturned the decision and declared that the inmate “currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if released from prison at this time.”

This marks the second instance the governor has prevented her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the mistreatment she endured from Manson.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has nothing to do with the evidence of how much she’s changed or the danger she presents,” stated her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Murders

The inmate was 21 when the Manson's followers committed the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of multiple counts of murder charges for their roles in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

Over many years behind bars – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys have reported. She has earned college degrees and her conduct is clean, legal counsel noted, which was a key factor the panel supported her parole.

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

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney noted, adding that she has developed her “personal identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.

Other Cases

The governor has previously blocked release for other former cult members. Another follower was freed from California prison in recent years after over five decades when a state appeals court overturned the governor's ruling to deny her release.