🔗 Share this article California's Governor Blocks Early Release for Cult Member Longtime Inmate The governor again rejected release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has spent more than five decades behind bars for her role in the notorious murders orchestrated by Charles Manson. Parole Reversal Draws Backlash Nearly five months after the state parole panel deemed the elderly fit for freedom, the governor overturned the ruling and declared that the inmate “currently poses an unacceptable risk to society if freed from prison at this time.” It was the second time Newsom has blocked her parole, and the move was met with strong opposition from her legal representative, who claimed the governor opted for “politics over people” and overlooked the abuse she suffered from the cult figure. “The governor's decision of her parole approval has nothing to do with the evidence of her transformation or the risk she poses,” said her attorney, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the facts and the governing regulations.” Case History 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 next evening killed grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of seven counts of murder charges for their roles in the attack. Prison Transformation Over many years in prison – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team have reported. She has obtained higher education and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney noted, which was one of the reasons the panel recommended her for release. Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her actions in the offenses. Previously, she said: “I want to say my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] focus on being a better person.” Previous Mistreatment and Reform A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her lawyer noted, stating that she has found her “own identity, independence, and moral compass”. Similar Instances The governor has previously denied parole for other former Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was freed from state custody in recent years after over five decades when a court of appeals overturned the governor’s decision to deny her release.