Krenwinkel Wins Third Parole Grant, Faces Newsom's Final Veto

Key points

• Krenwinkel was preliminarily granted parole on October 7, 2026, at her 18th hearing, becoming the third time the board has deemed her suitable for release.
• She is the longest-serving female inmate in California, having been imprisoned since 1971 for her role in the 1969 murders of Sharon Tate and others.
• Governor Gavin Newsom reversed her parole grants in 2022 and 2025, arguing she lacked sufficient insight into her crimes and remained a danger to the public.
• Krenwinkel’s attorney, Keith Wattley, stated she has a clean disciplinary record, nine low-risk psychological evaluations, and has completed extensive therapy and education.
• Debra Tate, sister of victim Sharon Tate, opposes the release, citing the brutality of the crimes and Krenwinkel’s lack of remorse in earlier years.
• The preliminary decision requires a 120-day review by the Board of Parole Hearings, followed by a 30-day window for the governor to reverse or approve the grant.

Background

Krenwinkel’s case follows the 2023 release of fellow Manson follower Leslie Van Houten, who was freed after an appeals court overruled Newsom’s veto. Other Manson associates, including Bruce Davis, have died in prison after repeated parole denials. The current case highlights ongoing debates about elderly inmates and the effectiveness of parole processes in high-profile cases.

How outlets are covering it

The Guardian and Los Angeles Times emphasize the procedural hurdles and Newsom’s previous reversals, noting his acknowledgment of Krenwinkel’s rehabilitation but insistence on further insight. LAmag highlights the political nature of the decision and the opposition from victims’ families, specifically Debra Tate’s petition. NBC Los Angeles focuses on the legal timeline and the governor’s authority to reverse the grant. All sources agree on the facts of the 1969 murders and Krenwinkel’s current status but differ in emphasis: The Guardian and LAmag focus on the rehabilitation argument, while the LA Times and NBC stress the procedural and political constraints.

Why it matters

This case tests the limits of parole for elderly inmates convicted of heinous crimes. It raises questions about the balance between rehabilitation, public safety, and political pressure in high-profile cases. Krenwinkel’s potential release would be the second for a Manson follower, following Van Houten, and could set a precedent for other long-term inmates.

What to watch

The parole decision will undergo a 120-day review by the Board of Parole Hearings. If approved, it will be sent to Governor Newsom, who has 30 days to decide whether to reverse or allow the grant. If reversed, Krenwinkel will be scheduled for another hearing within 18 months. Newsom’s office has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the latest grant.