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The governor has once more denied release for the convicted inmate, who has served over five decades in prison for her involvement in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by Charles Manson.

Parole Reversal Sparks Criticism

Nearly five months after the state parole panel deemed the elderly suitable for freedom, the governor reversed the ruling and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unacceptable risk to society if freed from prison at this time.”

It was the second instance the governor has prevented her release, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the mistreatment she suffered from the cult figure.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has nothing to do with the record of her transformation or the danger she presents,” said her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Murders

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actress Sharon Tate and several others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

Over many years behind bars – she is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys stated. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her conduct is spotless, legal counsel said, which was a key factor the parole board recommended her for release.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her actions in the offenses. Previously, she said: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] focus on being a better person.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry 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”.

Similar Instances

The governor 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 state appeals court reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.