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Gavin Newsom has once more refused release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served more than five decades in prison for her involvement in the 1969 murders orchestrated by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Draws Backlash

Nearly five months after the state parole panel found the elderly fit for release, Newsom overturned the decision and declared that the inmate “currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if released from prison at this time.”

It was the second time the governor has blocked her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the abuse she endured from Manson.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has nothing to do with the record of how much she’s changed or the danger she presents,” stated her attorney, Krenwinkel’s attorney. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the evidence and the governing regulations.”

Background of the Murders

The inmate was twenty-one when the Manson cult committed the killings of actor Sharon Tate and four others, among them socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed Leno LaBianca and his spouse, Rosemary LaBianca. In 1971, she and fellow cult members were found guilty of seven counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack.

Prison Transformation

Over many years behind bars – Krenwinkel is California’s longest serving female prisoner – she has turned her life around, friends and her legal team stated. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her behavior record is spotless, her attorney noted, which was one of the reasons the parole board recommended her for release.

The inmate has expressed remorse for her role in the offenses. Previously, she stated: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for the harm and anguish that I caused when I ended the lives that I did … I try every day to make amends … [and] work toward self-improvement.”

Past Abuse and Reform

An earlier inquiry by the parole board found she endured abuse in multiple forms by Charles Manson, her attorney noted, stating that she has developed her “own identity, independence, and ethical guidance”.

Similar Instances

The governor has previously denied release for other former Manson followers. Another follower was released from state custody in recent years after over five decades when a court of appeals reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.