Gavin Newsom Rejects Parole for Cult Member Longtime Inmate

Gavin Newsom again refused release for the convicted inmate, who has spent over five decades behind bars for her role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca killings orchestrated by the cult leader.

Parole Reversal Sparks Criticism

Months after California’s parole board found the elderly fit for release, Newsom overturned the decision and stated that Krenwinkel ā€œcurrently represents an unreasonable danger to the public if released from custody at this time.ā€

It was the second instance Newsom has blocked her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor chose ā€œpolitics over peopleā€ and overlooked the mistreatment she endured from the cult figure.

ā€œNewsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has no connection to the record of how much she’s changed or the risk she presents,ā€ said her attorney, her legal counsel. ā€œIt's entirely political, directly contrary to the facts and the governing regulations.ā€

Case History of the Murders

Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson's followers carried out the killings of actress Sharon Tate and four others, including heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night murdered Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary LaBianca. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of murder charges for their involvement in the crimes.

Prison Transformation

Over many years in prison – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team have reported. She has obtained higher education and her behavior record is spotless, legal counsel said, 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 said: ā€œI wish to express how terribly sorry I am for all the pain and suffering that I created when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] focus on self-improvement.ā€

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the parole board revealed she experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence by the cult leader, her attorney said in a statement, adding that she has developed her ā€œpersonal identity, self-reliance, and moral compassā€.

Other Cases

The governor has previously blocked release for other cult members. Leslie Van Houten was released from state custody in recent years after over five decades when a court of appeals overturned the governor’s decision to block her parole.

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