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Gavin Newsom has once more refused parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent over five decades in prison for her involvement in the notorious murders orchestrated by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Sparks Backlash

Nearly five months after the state parole panel found the elderly suitable for freedom, Newsom reversed the decision and stated that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if freed from prison at this time.”

This marks the second time Newsom has prevented her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who claimed the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the abuse she endured from Manson.

“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has no connection to the record of how much she’s changed or the risk she presents,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Background of the Crimes

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actor Sharon Tate and four others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of seven counts of murder charges for their roles in the attack.

Prison Transformation

In her decades in prison – she is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys stated. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is clean, legal counsel noted, which was a key factor the parole board recommended her for release.

Krenwinkel has shown regret for her role in the offenses. Previously, she said: “I want to say how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the authorities revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her attorney said in a statement, 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 released from state custody in recent years after 53 years when a court of appeals reversed the governor’s decision to block her parole.