Krenwinkel’s Third Parole Grant Sets Stage for Newsom’s Final Decision

Key points

• Krenwinkel, the state’s longest-serving female inmate, was preliminarily granted parole at her 18th hearing.
• The grant is subject to a 120-day review by the Board of Parole Hearings and a 30-day review by Governor Newsom.
• Newsom has previously reversed two parole grants for Krenwinkel, citing public safety concerns despite her rehabilitation efforts.
• Her attorneys argue she poses a low risk and has undergone extensive therapy, while victims' families and prosecutors oppose her release.
• The decision highlights ongoing debates about elderly inmates and the balance between rehabilitation and public safety.

Background

Krenwinkel was convicted in 1971 for her role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders, which claimed the lives of Sharon Tate, Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger, Wojciech Frykowski, Steven Parent, Leno LaBianca, and Rosemary LaBianca. She was sentenced to death, but the sentence was commuted to life with parole eligibility after the death penalty was ruled unconstitutional in 1972. In 2023, Leslie Van Houten, another Manson follower, was released after an appeals court overruled Newsom’s veto. Other Manson followers, including Charles Denton 'Tex' Watson and Robert Kenneth Beausoleil, remain in prison, while Charles Manson, Susan Atkins, and Bruce Davis died in custody.

How outlets are covering it

LAmag and The Guardian emphasize Krenwinkel’s rehabilitation and the parole board’s findings, with her attorney Keith Wattley arguing that the governor should uphold the law and allow her release. The Los Angeles Times notes the procedural steps required for the grant to become final and highlights the opposition from victims' families and prosecutors. Debra Tate, Sharon Tate’s sister, has been a vocal opponent, citing the brutality of the crimes and Krenwinkel’s lack of remorse. Newsom’s previous vetoes cited Krenwinkel’s insufficient insight into her actions and potential danger to the public, despite acknowledging her rehabilitation efforts.

Why it matters

Krenwinkel’s case underscores the complexities of parole decisions for elderly inmates and the balance between rehabilitation and public safety. The outcome will set a precedent for similar cases and highlight the role of the governor in overseeing parole decisions. The case also raises questions about the effectiveness of the parole process and the impact of political pressure on such decisions.

What to watch

The parole grant will become final after a 120-day review by the Board of Parole Hearings, followed by a 30-day review by Governor Newsom. If Newsom does not reverse the decision, Krenwinkel will be released. The outcome will likely face legal challenges from victims' families and prosecutors, and may influence future parole decisions for other elderly inmates.