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Gavin Newsom again rejected release for the convicted inmate, who has served more than five decades behind bars for her involvement in the notorious murders masterminded by Charles Manson.

Governor's Decision Draws Criticism

Months after California’s parole board deemed the 77-year-old fit for freedom, Newsom reversed the ruling and stated that the inmate “currently represents an unreasonable danger to the public if released from prison at this time.”

This marks the second instance Newsom has blocked her release, and the move was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who claimed the governor chose “politics over people” and overlooked the mistreatment she endured from the cult figure.

“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has no connection to the record of how much she’s changed or the danger she presents,” stated her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the facts and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers committed the murders of actress 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 spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of seven counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades in prison – she is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her conduct is clean, legal counsel noted, which was one of the reasons the parole board recommended her for release.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her role in the offenses. Previously, she said: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I created when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

A 2017 investigation by the authorities revealed she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her attorney noted, stating that she has developed her “personal identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Other Cases

Newsom has previously blocked release for other cult members. Another follower was released from state custody in recent years after 53 years when a state appeals court reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.