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The governor has once more refused parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent over five decades in prison for her role in the 1969 murders orchestrated by Charles Manson.

Parole Reversal Draws Backlash

Nearly five months after the state parole panel deemed the elderly fit for release, the governor reversed the decision and stated that the inmate “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if freed from custody at this time.”

This marks the second time the governor has blocked her release, and the move was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who argued the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the mistreatment she suffered from Manson.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has no connection to the record of her transformation or the risk she poses,” stated her attorney, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, directly contrary to the facts and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson's followers committed the murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening murdered Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and other Manson followers were convicted of multiple counts of murder charges for their roles in the crimes.

Life Behind Bars

In her decades in prison – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has turned her life around, supporters and attorneys have reported. She has obtained higher education and her conduct is spotless, legal counsel said, which was one of the reasons the parole board recommended her for release.

The inmate has shown regret for her actions in the offenses. Previously, she stated: “I want to say my deep regret I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Rehabilitation

A 2017 investigation by the authorities found she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, stating that she has developed her “personal identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.

Similar Instances

The governor has previously blocked parole for other cult members. Another follower was released from state custody in recent years after over five decades when a state appeals court overturned the governor's ruling to deny her release.