đ Share this article California's Governor Again Denies Early Release for Cult Member Patricia Krenwinkel The governor again rejected parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served more than five decades behind bars for her role in the 1969 murders masterminded by Charles Manson. Parole Reversal Draws Backlash Months after Californiaâs parole board deemed the elderly fit for freedom, the governor overturned the decision and stated that the inmate âcurrently represents an unreasonable danger to the public if freed from prison at this time.â It was the second instance Newsom has prevented her parole, and the move was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkelâs longtime attorney, who claimed the governor chose âpolitics over peopleâ and failed to consider the mistreatment she endured from Manson. âThe governor's decision of her parole approval has no connection to the record of how much sheâs changed or the risk she presents,â stated her attorney, Krenwinkelâs attorney. âIt's entirely political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.â Case History of the Murders Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson cult carried out the murders of actress Sharon Tate and several others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of seven counts of murder charges for their roles in the crimes. Life Behind Bars In her decades in prison â she is Californiaâs longest serving incarcerated woman â she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. She has obtained higher education and her conduct is spotless, legal counsel noted, which was a key factor the parole board supported her parole. The inmate has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. 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 A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her lawyer said in a statement, adding that she has developed her âown identity, self-reliance, and moral compassâ. Other Cases Newsom has previously denied parole for other Manson followers. Another follower was released from state custody in 2023 after 53 years when a state appeals court overturned the governor's ruling to block her parole.