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The governor again refused release for the convicted inmate, who has served more than half a century behind bars for her role in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by Charles Manson.

Parole Reversal Draws Criticism

Nearly five months after California’s parole board deemed the elderly fit for freedom, the governor overturned the ruling and stated that Krenwinkel “currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if freed from prison at this time.”

This marks the second instance the governor has prevented her parole, and the decision was met with sharp criticism from her legal representative, who argued the governor chose “politics over people” and overlooked the abuse she endured from Manson.

“Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has no connection to the record of how much she’s changed or the danger she presents,” stated Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Case History of the Crimes

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actor Sharon Tate and several others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were convicted of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack.

Prison Transformation

In her decades in prison – she is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has reformed, friends and her legal team have reported. Krenwinkel has earned college degrees and her conduct is spotless, legal counsel noted, which was one of the reasons the panel recommended her for release.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her role in the crimes. Previously, she stated: “I wish to express 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] focus on self-improvement.”

Previous Mistreatment and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the authorities found she experienced abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her attorney noted, stating that she has developed her “personal identity, self-reliance, and moral compass”.

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously blocked parole for other Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was released from California prison in recent years after 53 years when a state appeals court reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.