California Governor Gavin Newsom has overturned a parole board’s recommendation to free Patricia Krenwinkel, a former associate of cult leader Charles Manson and one of the individuals involved in the notorious 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders.
In an announcement made on October 13, which was reported by Fox News, Newsom expressed that Krenwinkel, who is now 77, “lacks the required insight for safe release.”
The governor’s order quoted an evaluation by a psychologist who assessed Krenwinkel: “She has engaged in meaningful introspection, yet she presents with some self-awareness deficits, particularly a tendency to shift blame for her previous actions.”
Newsom concurred with these observations, determining that although Krenwinkel has made “commendable” progress, she “still poses an unreasonable risk to society if released.”
Krenwinkel was just 21 years old when she participated with others from Manson’s so-called “Family” in a series of gruesome murders that resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including pregnant actress Sharon Tate.
The governor’s summary highlighted that Krenwinkel, alongside others, fatally attacked Tate’s friend, Abigail Folger, while also restraining and assaulting several victims.
On the subsequent night, the group murdered Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, graffitiing phrases such as “Death to Pigs,” “Rise,” and “Healter Skelter” in blood around their home.
The parole board has conducted 17 hearings for Krenwinkel since 1977, denying her parole 14 times, while she has voluntarily chosen not to seek it once.
In May 2022, the board deemed her suitable for release, but Newsom reversed this finding the following October, referencing her lack of insight and the tendency to externalize blame.
The Los Angeles County Superior Court denied Krenwinkel’s appeal against that reversal in January 2024, a ruling which was subsequently upheld in appeal.
During a hearing on May 30, 2025, Krenwinkel opted not to testify. Newsom’s latest decision nullifies the board’s recent proposal to grant her parole.
In his latest evaluation, Newsom took note that Krenwinkel was only 21 at the time of her offenses, citing evaluations that characterized her behavior as “transient immaturity, impulsiveness, and recklessness” alongside a diminished ability to escape harmful circumstances. Nevertheless, he determined her self-awareness remains inadequate.
The governor acknowledged her extensive rehabilitation efforts, which have included self-help programs, vocational training, multiple college degrees, and mentorship roles. However, he concluded that these achievements do not outweigh her persistent “self-awareness deficits” and “tendency to externalize blame.”
While recognizing Krenwinkel’s chronic health challenges and advanced age at 77, Newsom noted that her physical condition is not the primary factor in assessing her current risk.
He concluded, “Considering all evidence, she currently presents an unreasonable danger to society if released from incarceration.”
Krenwinkel’s attorney, Keith Wattley, challenged the governor’s findings and advocated for her release.
“Patricia Krenwinkel is the longest-serving incarcerated woman in the U.S.,” Wattley stated. “Over the last five decades, she has committed to profound healing and rehabilitation, earning degrees, mentoring others, and taking on a supportive role to younger women within the institution.”
Wattley further argued that under California law, parole should be granted once an individual no longer poses “an unreasonable risk to public safety.”
“Patricia’s record meets this criterion. She deserves a chance at parole,” Wattley asserted, emphasizing that her transformation from “the lost 19-year-old who looked to Charles Manson for guidance” to “a nurturing mentor” illustrates the objectives of California’s parole system.
Supporters of Krenwinkel highlight her eligibility under youth offender parole, elderly parole, and domestic violence survivor parole laws designed to account for those who were young, vulnerable, or under coercive influence at the time of their crimes.
The parole board finalized its most recent determination on September 27, leading Newsom to have until October 27 to either approve the release, refuse it, or refer the case for an en banc review. With this reversal in place, Krenwinkel will remain incarcerated at the California Institution for Women.
