Patricia Krenwinkel, a former Charles Manson follower, was granted parole on Tuesday, 7 October 2026, after spending nearly six decades in prison. The parole was granted for her involvement in the Tate-LaBianca murders in Los Angeles.
This marks the third occasion that Krenwinkel, aged 78, has been approved for release by California’s board of parole hearings. California Governor Gavin Newsom reversed the board's decisions on her previous two parole grants, denying her freedom. Krenwinkel's attorneys are now urging Governor Newsom to allow this latest ruling to stand.
Krenwinkel was convicted in 1971 for her role in the violent crime spree over two nights in 1969, which resulted in the deaths of actor Sharon Tate and four friends, as well as grocery owner Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. Her lawyer, Keith Wattley, stated that Krenwinkel fully accepts responsibility for her actions and the harm she caused.
Over her decades in prison, Krenwinkel has maintained a clean disciplinary record. Nine consecutive psychological evaluations over the past 40 years have found her to be a low public safety risk, according to Wattley. He added that she has participated in extensive therapy, earned a college degree, and trained service dogs.