Patricia Krenwinkel Set for Possible Release After 56 Years Over Infamous Manson Family Killings

Patricia Krenwinkel, the former Charles Manson follower convicted in the 1969 murders of seven people in Los Angeles, has been granted parole on a preliminary basis after more than five decades in prison.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed Tuesday that the 78-year-old’s parole was granted.

The decision remains subject to further review before it can become final.

Gavin Newsom Given Authority to Review Decision

California Governor Gavin Newsom will have 30 days to decide whether to reverse the parole recommendation once it clears the legal review conducted by the Board of Parole Hearings.

Newsom previously blocked Krenwinkel’s release in 2025, arguing that she had not demonstrated sufficient insight into the factors behind her crimes or the circumstances that contributed to her antisocial behaviour.

Prosecutors from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office have indicated they will again ask the governor’s office to prevent her release.

If the governor overturns the latest decision, Krenwinkel would be eligible for another parole hearing within 18 months.

Krenwinkel Joined Manson Group as a Teenager

Krenwinkel was 19 when she became involved with the group led by Manson, a convicted killer and cult leader.

She was later convicted for her role in the killings that took place in Los Angeles over two nights in August 1969.

Among the victims was actress Sharon Tate, who was eight months pregnant at the time.

Tate was killed at her Los Angeles home on August 8, 1969, alongside friends and visitors Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger, Wojciech Frykowski and Steven Parent.

Krenwinkel has previously testified about her role in the attack, including chasing Folger before stabbing her repeatedly.

She also admitted using the victims’ blood to write messages on the walls of Tate’s home.

LaBianca Couple Killed the Following Night

The killings continued the following evening when Krenwinkel and other Manson followers attacked Leno LaBianca, a wealthy Los Angeles grocer, and his wife, Rosemary.

Krenwinkel was originally sentenced to death for the seven murders.

Her sentence was later changed to life imprisonment after the US Supreme Court’s 1972 ruling that invalidated existing death penalty laws.

During the early years of her imprisonment, Krenwinkel appeared in court alongside fellow Manson followers Susan Atkins and Leslie Van Houten.

The women were photographed with an X carved into their foreheads, reflecting a symbol Manson had used.

Sharon Tate’s Sister Has Opposed Release

Debra Tate, Sharon Tate’s sister, has for years campaigned against parole for Krenwinkel and other former Manson followers.

In a petition published in 2016, Tate alleged that Krenwinkel had personally carved the word “WAR” into Leno LaBianca’s body and written messages on the walls of the Tate residence.

Tate also argued that Krenwinkel had previously shown little remorse for the killings and maintained that she should remain imprisoned.

Lawyers Point to Decades of Rehabilitation

Krenwinkel’s legal representatives have presented a different account of her time in prison, arguing that she has spent decades confronting her actions through therapy and group counselling.

Her lawyers from UnCommon Law have also said Krenwinkel was subjected to manipulation, drugs and psychological abuse after becoming involved with Manson as a teenager.

Attorney Keith Wattley said she had worked over many years to understand how she became capable of causing severe harm and to accept responsibility for her actions.

Following the parole panel’s decision, Wattley described the finding as recognition of Krenwinkel’s rehabilitation and said the board had based its decision on evidence.

Several Manson Followers Remain in Prison

Krenwinkel is now the longest-serving female inmate in California.

Other former members of the Manson Family remain incarcerated, including Charles Denton “Tex” Watson and Bobby Beausoleil.

Manson, Susan Atkins and Bruce Davis have died in custody.