Gavin Newsom Again Denies Early Release for Cult Member Longtime Inmate
Gavin Newsom again rejected parole for the convicted inmate, who has spent more than half a century behind bars for her role in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by the cult leader.
Parole Reversal Sparks Backlash
Nearly five months after California’s parole board found the elderly fit for freedom, Newsom reversed the ruling and declared that the inmate “currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if freed from custody at this time.”
It was the second time Newsom has prevented her parole, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the abuse she endured from the cult figure.
“Newsom’s reversal of her parole approval has no connection to the evidence of how much she’s changed or the risk she poses,” said Keith Wattley, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, directly contrary to the facts and the controlling law.”
Background of the Crimes
Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actor Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and celebrity stylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack.
Life Behind Bars
In her decades behind bars – she is the state's most senior female prisoner – she has reformed, friends and her legal team stated. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her behavior record is clean, legal counsel noted, which was a key factor the panel supported her parole.
Krenwinkel has shown regret for her actions in the offenses. Previously, she stated: “I want to say how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”
Past Abuse and Rehabilitation
An earlier inquiry by the parole board revealed she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her lawyer noted, adding that she has found her “personal identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.
Similar Instances
Newsom has previously denied release for other Manson followers. Another follower was released from California prison in recent years after 53 years when a court of appeals overturned the governor's ruling to block her parole.
