A California parole panel has granted preliminary parole to Patricia Krenwinkel, a former member of the Manson Family convicted of seven murders in 1969. The decision, announced Tuesday, marks the third time Krenwinkel has been approved for parole during her 56 years behind bars. However, the recommendation remains subject to final review by the state parole board and Governor Gavin Newsom, who has 30 days to either uphold or reverse the decision.
Krenwinkel’s case now enters a 120-day review period, during which the parole board’s legal office must certify the decision before it is forwarded to Newsom. If the governor blocks the parole, Krenwinkel would be eligible for another hearing within 18 months. If approved, she would become one of the longest-serving female inmates in California history to be released on parole.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Krenwinkel, now 78 years old, was granted parole on a preliminary basis at her 18th parole suitability hearing, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). The CDCR stated in a release that all parole grants are proposed decisions and do not become final until after a comprehensive review by the Board of Parole Hearings and the governor.
The decision follows a 2025 reversal by Newsom, who blocked a previous parole recommendation, citing concerns about her lack of sufficient insight into her crimes and triggers for antisocial behavior. Prosecutors with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office have indicated they will urge Newsom to deny parole again, arguing that Krenwinkel remains a danger to the public.
Deeper Dive & Context
The Manson Family Murders and Krenwinkel’s Role
Krenwinkel, then 21 years old, was convicted in 1971 for her role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders, which claimed the lives of seven people, including Sharon Tate, the eight-and-a-half-months pregnant actress and wife of director Roman Polanski. Other victims included Abigail Folger, an heiress to the Folgers coffee fortune, and Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, a Los Angeles couple killed the following night. Krenwinkel was present during the Tate murders and participated in the LaBianca killings, stabbing Rosemary LaBianca 14 times.
Legal and Policy Framework
Krenwinkel’s eligibility for parole stems from California’s elderly inmate parole program, which allows for consideration of release for inmates over 60 who have served significant portions of their sentences. Her case also falls under broader discussions about aging prison populations and the state’s approach to rehabilitation versus public safety.
The parole board’s decision is based on an assessment of Krenwinkel’s institutional behavior, including her participation in educational programs and her disciplinary record. However, the Los Angeles DA’s office has consistently argued that her lack of remorse and minimal progress in addressing her criminal behavior outweigh any rehabilitative efforts.
Political and Public Response
Governor Newsom has twice blocked parole recommendations for Krenwinkel, most recently in 2025, when he stated she had not developed sufficient insight into the factors that led to her crimes. His decision aligns with a broader trend of governors using their authority to deny parole in high-profile cases, particularly those involving violent crimes.
Prosecutors and victims’ families have publicly opposed the parole decision, emphasizing the brutality of the crimes and the ongoing trauma for survivors. Advocacy groups for victims’ rights have also weighed in, arguing that Krenwinkel’s release would undermine public trust in the justice system.
What Happens Next?
If Newsom approves the parole, Krenwinkel would be released under supervised conditions, including mandatory check-ins with parole officers and restrictions on travel and association. If he denies the parole, she would remain incarcerated, with the next hearing scheduled no later than 18 months from the date of the denial.
The CDCR and parole board have emphasized that the decision is not a reflection of forgiveness but rather an assessment of her readiness for release under state law. The final outcome will depend on Newsom’s review, which is expected to consider public safety, institutional behavior, and the severity of her crimes.