by Patricia Krenwinkel, one of the last surviving members of Charles Manson’s infamous cult, has once again been recommended for parole after spending more than 50 years in prison for her role in the brutal 1969 murders that shocked America.
Now 77, Krenwinkel is California’s longest-serving female inmate. Convicted in 1971 of seven counts of first-degree murder, she was part of the Manson Family killings that included actress Sharon Tate and six others. During the rampage, Krenwinkel used her victims’ blood to write chilling messages on the walls—“Pigs” and a misspelled “Helter Skelter” among them.
This recent parole recommendation marks her second approval, following a May 2022 ruling that Governor Gavin Newsom blocked, citing her central role in the violent crimes and her leadership within the cult.
At Friday’s hearing, Krenwinkel’s 16th parole review, the panel highlighted her advanced age and decades of good behavior as reasons she now poses a low risk to society. She remained silent throughout the four-hour hearing.
However, family members of the victims, including Debra Tate, Sharon Tate’s younger sister, spoke out fiercely against her release. “Releasing her to society puts society at risk,” Debra said. “After 55 years, she still does not know the names of her victims or show genuine remorse.”
Sharon Tate and four others were brutally murdered in Los Angeles between August 8-9, 1969, followed by the killings of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca the next day. Krenwinkel personally stabbed Rosemary LaBianca with a fork and admitted to stabbing coffee heiress Abigail Folger multiple times.
Debra Tate also noted Krenwinkel’s lack of remorse in court over the years. “For years, she laughed about the murders. Society cannot allow this serial killer back into the world.”
Commissioner Gilbert Infante, however, emphasized the parole board’s recommendation was not intended to diminish the severity of the crimes. “At the time, you exhibited all the hallmark features of youth,” he said. “Since then, you’ve shown growth through your rehabilitation efforts.”
Krenwinkel met Charles Manson at 19 and was drawn into his cult by promises of love and belonging. In later testimony, she revealed she was abused and drugged by Manson, kept under his control, and coerced into staying despite attempts to leave.
While Manson orchestrated the killings, he never physically committed them. Both he and Krenwinkel were sentenced to death, but their sentences were commuted to life imprisonment after California temporarily abolished the death penalty in 1972. Manson died in prison in 2017, leaving Krenwinkel among the last of the original cult members behind bars.
The parole board’s recommendation now goes to the full Board of Parole Hearings, which will review it within 120 days. After that, Governor Newsom has up to 150 days to accept, reject, or take no action on the decision.
