Krenwinkel’s Parole Reversed by Governor Newsom
California Governor Gavin Newsom has overturned the parole board’s decision to release Patricia Krenwinkel, a former member of Charles Manson’s cult and one of the individuals involved in the notorious 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders.
In a written ruling dated October 13, Newsom expressed concerns that Krenwinkel, who is now 77, “lacks the insight necessary for her safe release.”
He acknowledged that while Krenwinkel has shown signs of productive self-reflection, she still struggles with self-awareness and tends to shift responsibility for her past actions onto others, as noted by a psychologist’s evaluation.
The governor concluded that despite Krenwinkel’s “commendable” progress during her time in prison, she “currently poses an unreasonable risk to society if released.”
Krenwinkel was just 21 when she participated in a brutal two-night murder spree that resulted in the deaths of seven people, including actress Sharon Tate, who was eight months pregnant at the time.
During the attacks, Krenwinkel and her associates stabbed Tate’s friend Abigail Folger and attacked other victims. The following night, they killed Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, leaving messages like “Death to the Pigs” and “Helter Skelter” written in blood at the scene.
Since 1977, the parole board has held 17 hearings for Krenwinkel, denying her parole 14 times. Notably, she has only voluntarily declined parole once. In May 2022, the board deemed her suitable for release, a decision that Newsom reversed in October of the same year due to concerns about her self-awareness.
Krenwinkel’s challenges to the revocation were dismissed by the Los Angeles County Superior Court in January 2024, and this judgment was later upheld on appeal. The Board conducted another hearing on May 30, 2025, at which Krenwinkel chose not to testify, and Newsom’s decision nullified the board’s recent recommendation for her release.
In his review, Newsom acknowledged Krenwinkel’s age at the time of her offenses, referencing a psychiatric evaluation that described her behavior as immature and impulsive. However, he ultimately deemed her current self-awareness insufficient.
Despite recognizing her efforts in rehabilitation—such as self-help participation, vocational training, and earning multiple degrees—he felt that these achievements did not outweigh her ongoing issues with self-awareness and accountability.
Newsom also took into account Krenwinkel’s chronic health problems and lower physical strength at 77 but noted that her health was not a reliable indicator of her risk level.
“The evidence suggests that she poses an unreasonable risk to society if released at this time,” he concluded.
Krenwinkel’s attorney, Keith Watley, disagreed with the governor’s assessment and has called for her release. He stated that Krenwinkel is the longest-serving incarcerated woman in the U.S. and has engaged in significant rehabilitation efforts over the past 50 years, including mentoring others.
Watley argued that according to California law, parole should be granted if an individual no longer poses an unreasonable risk to public safety, and he believes Krenwinkel meets that criterion. He highlighted her transformation from a “lost 19-year-old” to a “compassionate leader” as a testament to the intent of the state’s parole system.
Advocates argue that Krenwinkel qualifies for consideration under provisions for youthful offenders, elderly parole, and domestic violence victims, which are designed to take into account the vulnerable circumstances surrounding offenders at the time of their crimes.
The Parole Board’s most recent decision was made on September 27, with Governor Newsom required to make a decision by October 27. With the revocation now in place, Krenwinkel will remain incarcerated at the California Institute for Women.
