đ Share this article California's Governor Rejects Early Release for Manson Follower Patricia Krenwinkel The governor again refused parole for the convicted inmate, who has served more than half a century behind bars for her involvement in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by the cult leader. Parole Reversal Draws Criticism Nearly five months after the state parole panel found the elderly fit for freedom, the governor overturned the ruling and stated that the inmate âcurrently represents an unreasonable danger to society if freed from custody at this time.â This marks the second instance Newsom has prevented her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkelâs longtime attorney, who claimed the governor opted for âpolitics over peopleâ and failed to consider the mistreatment she suffered from Manson. âNewsomâs reversal of Patâs grant has nothing to do with the evidence of her transformation or the danger she poses,â said Keith Wattley, Krenwinkelâs attorney. âIt's entirely political, directly contrary to the facts and the controlling law.â Background of the Murders Krenwinkel was 21 when the Manson cult carried out the murders of actress Sharon Tate and several others, among them 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 crimes. Life Behind Bars In her decades behind bars â she is Californiaâs longest serving incarcerated woman â she has reformed, supporters and attorneys stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her conduct is clean, legal counsel said, which was a key factor the parole board supported her parole. Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her role in the crimes. In 2022, she stated: âI want to say how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I created when I took the lives that I did ⊠I strive daily to make amends ⊠[and] focus on self-improvement.â Past Abuse and Reform An earlier inquiry by the authorities found she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, stating that she has found her âpersonal identity, self-reliance, and moral compassâ. Similar Instances Newsom has previously denied parole for other cult members. Another follower was released from California prison in recent years after over five decades when a court of appeals overturned the governorâs decision to deny her release.