Patricia Krenwinkel Wins Third Parole Recommendation in California

Former Charles Manson follower Patricia Krenwinkel was granted a third parole recommendation on Tuesday, October 7, 2026, by California’s Board of Parole Hearings after nearly six decades in prison for her role in the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders in Los Angeles.

Krenwinkel, 78, received the preliminary decision during her 18th subsequent suitability hearing, according to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation records. The recommendation must undergo review before California Governor Gavin Newsom decides whether it will stand.

Krenwinkel was convicted in 1971 for seven counts of first-degree murder involving the killings of actress Sharon Tate, who was seven months pregnant, her friends Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger, Wojciech Frykowski and Steven Parent, and Leno and Rosemary LaBianca.

Her attorney Keith Wattley said Krenwinkel has accepted responsibility for her actions and has spent decades pursuing rehabilitation while incarcerated. He said she has maintained a clean disciplinary record, completed therapy and group counseling, earned a college degree and trained service dogs.

"Reaching this moment has taken decades of hard, deliberate work to confront who she was, what she did, and the devastating harm she caused," said Keith Wattley, longtime attorney. "She fully accepts responsibility for her actions, everything she contributed to, and every life she destroyed in 1969. Pat does not excuse or minimize that harm," said Keith Wattley, longtime attorney.

Wattley also described the parole process as a test of whether rehabilitation decisions can be recognized after long-term incarceration. He has represented Krenwinkel for 16 years through parole proceedings.

"I have seen the depth of her remorse and the extraordinary work she has done to change her life. I firmly believe she is ready to return home," said Keith Wattley, longtime attorney.

Newsom previously overturned Krenwinkel’s parole approvals in 2022 and 2025. In those reviews, he acknowledged her rehabilitation efforts but said he believed further evaluation of her understanding of the crimes was needed.

"Victim of Mr Manson’s abuse" and "matured in prison and engaged in commendable rehabilitative efforts" said Gavin Newsom, California governor.

Newsom’s previous decision also cited concerns about Krenwinkel’s risk assessment and public safety. His office did not immediately respond to an inquiry after the latest parole recommendation.

"Not developed sufficient insight into the causative factors of her crime and her triggers for antisocial thinking" said Gavin Newsom, California governor.

"Beyond the brutal murders she committed, she played a leadership role in the cult, and an enforcer of Mr. Manson’s tyranny" said Gavin Newsom, California governor.

"She forced the other women in the cult to obey Mr. Manson, and prevented them from escaping when they tried to leave" said Gavin Newsom, California governor.

Krenwinkel’s case has drawn attention to parole reviews involving elderly prisoners serving lengthy sentences. Under California law, murder parole decisions are reviewed by the governor after the parole board’s recommendation.

"Uphold the law" said Keith Wattley, longtime attorney.

"The parole process exists because people can change, rehabilitation matters, and public safety must be grounded in evidence. Pat’s case raises a fundamental question: if three parole grants don’t lead to release, what is the point of this process?" said Keith Wattley, longtime attorney.

"Currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if released from prison at this time" said Gavin Newsom, California governor.