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The governor has once more refused release for Patricia Krenwinkel, who has served over five decades behind bars for her role in the notorious Tate-LaBianca killings masterminded by the cult leader.

Governor's Decision Sparks Backlash

Nearly five months after the state parole panel deemed the 77-year-old suitable for release, Newsom reversed the decision and declared that Krenwinkel “currently represents an unreasonable danger to society if freed from custody at this time.”

This marks the second instance the governor has prevented her parole, and the move was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor chose “political motives over human considerations” and failed to consider the mistreatment she endured from the cult figure.

“The governor's decision of her parole approval has no connection to the record of her transformation or the risk she presents,” said Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It's entirely political, in opposition to the evidence and the controlling law.”

Case History of the Murders

The inmate was 21 when the Manson cult committed the killings of actor Sharon Tate and several others, including socialite Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the following night killed 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

In her decades behind bars – Krenwinkel is the state's most senior incarcerated woman – she has reformed, supporters and attorneys have reported. She has earned college degrees and her conduct is spotless, her attorney said, which was a key factor the panel recommended her for release.

Krenwinkel has expressed remorse for her role in the crimes. Previously, she stated: “I want to say my deep regret I am for the harm and anguish that I created when I took the lives that I did … I try every day to live amends … [and] work toward being a better person.”

Previous Mistreatment and Rehabilitation

An earlier inquiry by the authorities revealed she endured physical, emotional and sexual violence by Charles Manson, her attorney said in a statement, adding that she has developed her “personal identity, self-reliance, and ethical guidance”.

Similar Instances

Newsom has previously blocked release for other former cult members. Another follower was freed from state custody in recent years after 53 years when a court of appeals overturned the governor's ruling to block her parole.