California Governor Blocks Parole for Charles Manson Follower Patricia Krenwinkel

California Governor Blocks Parole for Charles Manson Follower Patricia Krenwinkel

Governor Gavin Newsom of California has made a significant decision by reversing a parole board’s recommendation to release Patricia Krenwinkel, a well-known follower of the notorious cult leader Charles Manson. Krenwinkel played a major role in the infamous 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders, crimes that shocked the nation.

On October 13, Newsom stated that Krenwinkel, who is now 77 years old, lacks the necessary insight for a safe release back into society. In his formal ruling, the governor referenced her psychological evaluation, noting that although she has engaged in productive introspection, there are ongoing deficits in her self-awareness. Notably, she tends to externalize blame for her past actions, which raises concerns about her readiness for reintegration into the community.

Despite acknowledging Krenwinkel’s commendable progress through various rehabilitation efforts, Newsom remained firm in his belief that she poses an unreasonable danger to public safety if released. This assessment is critical as it underscores the governor’s responsibility to prioritize community safety over an individual’s potential for rehabilitation.

The Crimes that Shook America

Krenwinkel was just 21 when she joined Manson’s so-called Family, participating in two brutal nights of violence that left seven individuals dead, including actress Sharon Tate, who was pregnant at the time. During the horrific events, Krenwinkel and her accomplices inflicted fatal injuries on Tate’s friend, Abigail Folger, and restrained or attacked several others.

The murders of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca occurred the following night, with Krenwinkel involved in the grisly act of writing phrases such as “Death to Pigs” and “Healter Skelter” in blood on the walls of their home. Such details of the crimes have continued to haunt public memory and have influenced perceptions about her candidacy for parole.

A Long Journey Through the Parole System

Since 1977, Krenwinkel has faced the parole board a staggering 17 times, with 14 of those hearings culminating in denials. She even voluntarily chose to skip one hearing entirely. In May 2022, a breakthrough occurred when the board deemed her suitable for release, but this decision was promptly reversed by Governor Newsom in October of the same year.

This recent reversal was not effective until confirmed in the courts, where Krenwinkel’s appeal against Newsom’s ruling was denied by the Los Angeles County Superior Court in January 2024. Consequently, the court affirmed the governor’s decision upon further appeal, leaving Krenwinkel still incarcerated.

The Latest Developments in Krenwinkel’s Case

Another parole board hearing took place on May 30, 2025. Krenwinkel opted not to testify during this session, and the board’s proposed parole was once again overturned by Governor Newsom. In his analysis, Newsom recognized Krenwinkel’s young age at the time of her crimes, describing her former behavior as one of impulsiveness and immaturity. However, he concluded that her current self-awareness and readiness for release remained inadequate.

Despite her lengthy journey of rehabilitation — which includes self-help initiatives, vocational training, and acquiring multiple college degrees — the governor found these achievements insufficient when weighed against ongoing concerns about her psychological evaluation. Newsom emphasized that she still exhibits deficits in self-awareness and a tendency to shift responsibility for her actions.

The Challenge to Parole Decisions

Krenwinkel’s attorney, Keith Wattley, has publicly challenged the governor’s conclusions, advocating for her release. Wattley highlights that Krenwinkel is the longest-incarcerated woman in the United States and argues she has dedicated herself to profound healing and rehabilitation over the past five decades. He states that Krenwinkel has become an asset to her prison community through mentoring and counseling efforts.

Under California law, Wattley argues that parole should be granted if an inmate no longer poses an unreasonable risk to public safety. He contends that Krenwinkel’s transformation from a troubled young woman under Manson’s influence to a compassionate mentor supports his position that she is deserving of parole.

Legislative Considerations for Parole

Furthermore, advocates for Krenwinkel claim she fulfills the criteria set forth under various legislative measures designed to assist offenders who were young or in vulnerable situations at the time of their crimes. Provisions for elderly parole and domestic violence survivor parole also apply, acknowledging the complexities surrounding Krenwinkel’s prior life circumstances.

The parole board finalized its most recent decision on September 27, which mandates that Newsom had until October 27 to either affirm, block, or call for a full review of the case. With Newsom’s recent decision to block her release now official, Krenwinkel will continue to serve her time at the California Institution for Women.

Reflections on Rehabilitation and Society Safety

The decision regarding Krenwinkel represents more than just an individual case; it delves into broader societal questions about justice, rehabilitation, and public safety. Many will weigh Krenwinkel’s past against her present, pondering whether a lifetime of rehabilitation can truly absolve the horrors of her actions.

As public discourse continues, debates surrounding the morality of parole decisions, particularly for high-profile cases, remain extraordinarily complex. While many advocate for humane treatment and the opportunity for redemption, others stress the importance of upholding safety within the community.