Manson follower Patricia Krenwinkel recommended for parole a third time; Newsom holds final say
- Patricia Krenwinkel recommended for parole for third time after 56 years behind bars.
- Governor Newsom previously blocked two prior recommendations, citing a lack of 'requisite insight.'
- Krenwinkel remains the longest-serving female inmate in California history.
- Prosecutors vow to fight her release as the 120-day review clock begins.
Brief Summary
Patricia Krenwinkel, a key figure in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca slaughter, has once again been cleared for parole by a California board. Despite her decades of rehabilitation efforts and college degrees, the 78-year-old remains a symbol of one of America's most heinous crimes. The final decision now sits on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk, who has historically been hesitant to let the remaining Manson family members walk free.
Why This Matters
This case serves as a litmus test for the California justice system's stance on 'rehabilitation' versus 'retribution' for historical atrocities. If you live in California, this decision signals whether the state prioritizes the age and academic achievements of a prisoner over the severity of the original crime. It highlights the ongoing tension between parole boards seeking to reduce prison populations and political leaders who fear the public fallout of releasing infamous killers back into society.