🔗 Share this article Gavin Newsom Blocks Parole for Cult Member Patricia Krenwinkel The governor has once more rejected parole for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over half a century behind bars for her involvement in the notorious murders orchestrated by Charles Manson. Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash Nearly five months after California’s parole board deemed the 77-year-old suitable for freedom, Newsom overturned the ruling and declared that the inmate “currently poses an unacceptable risk to the public if released from custody at this time.” This marks the second time the governor has prevented her parole, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who claimed the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the abuse she endured from the cult figure. “The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has no connection to the evidence of her transformation or the risk she poses,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the evidence and the controlling law.” Background of the Murders Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actress Sharon Tate and several others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. By 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack. Life Behind Bars In her decades in prison – she is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys have reported. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is spotless, legal counsel noted, which was a key factor the parole board recommended her for release. Krenwinkel has shown regret for her actions in the crimes. Previously, she said: “I wish to express 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.” Past Abuse and Rehabilitation A 2017 investigation by the parole board found she experienced abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, stating that she has found her “personal identity, independence, 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 recent years after 53 years when a court of appeals overturned the governor’s decision to block her parole.