🔗 Share this article California's Governor Rejects Early Release for Manson Follower Longtime Inmate Gavin Newsom has once more denied release for the convicted inmate, who has served more than half a century behind bars for her involvement in the 1969 murders orchestrated by the cult leader. Parole Reversal Sparks Criticism Nearly five months after the state parole panel found the elderly suitable for release, Newsom overturned the ruling and declared that the inmate “currently poses an unacceptable risk to the public if freed from custody at this time.” It was the second time Newsom has blocked her release, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who claimed the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the abuse she suffered from the cult figure. “The governor's decision of Pat’s grant has no connection to the record of her transformation or the risk she presents,” said her attorney, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the facts and the controlling law.” Case History of the Murders The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson's followers committed the murders of actress Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist 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 multiple counts of first-degree murder for their involvement in the attack. Life Behind Bars Over many years behind bars – she is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. She has obtained higher education and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney said, which was a key factor the panel recommended her for release. Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her actions in the offenses. In 2022, she stated: “I wish to express my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.” Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation A 2017 investigation by the parole board revealed she experienced abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her attorney said in a statement, stating that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and moral compass”. Similar Instances Newsom has previously blocked parole for other former cult members. Leslie Van Houten was freed from California prison in recent years after over five decades when a state appeals court overturned the governor’s decision to deny her release.