đ Share this article California's Governor Again Denies Early Release for Manson Follower Patricia Krenwinkel Gavin Newsom has once more refused parole for the convicted inmate, who has served over five decades in prison for her involvement in the 1969 murders orchestrated by the cult leader. Parole Reversal Draws Criticism Months after Californiaâs parole board deemed the elderly suitable for release, the governor overturned the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel âcurrently poses an unreasonable danger to society if released from prison at this time.â It was the second time the governor has blocked her parole, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkelâs longtime attorney, who claimed the governor chose âpolitical motives over human considerationsâ and overlooked the mistreatment she endured from Manson. âNewsomâs reversal of her parole approval has no connection to the record of how much sheâs changed or the risk she poses,â stated Keith Wattley, Krenwinkelâs attorney. âIt's entirely political, in opposition to the evidence and the governing regulations.â Case History of the Murders The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actor Sharon Tate and four others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. 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 Over many years behind bars â Krenwinkel is the state's most senior female prisoner â she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. She has obtained higher education and her conduct is spotless, her attorney said, which was a key factor the panel supported her parole. Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her actions in the offenses. Previously, she said: âI want to say my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I ended the lives that I did ⊠I try every day to make amends ⊠[and] work toward being a better person.â Past Abuse and Rehabilitation An earlier inquiry by the authorities found she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney said in a statement, stating that she has developed her âown identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidanceâ. Other Cases The governor has previously blocked parole for other cult members. Leslie Van Houten was released from state custody in 2023 after over five decades when a state appeals court overturned the governor's ruling to deny her release.