Credited from: SFGATE
Patricia Krenwinkel, a former follower of Charles Manson, has been again recommended for parole by the California Board of Parole Hearings, marking the second time this decision has been reached in her lengthy incarceration. However, a final decision is pending from Governor Gavin Newsom, who has previously overturned a similar recommendation in 2022, citing public safety concerns regarding Krenwinkel's potential release, according to NPR.
The parole board's ruling will remain tentative for 120 days, during which it must clear the board's legal division before being forwarded to Governor Newsom for a 30-day review. Krenwinkel's attorney, Keith Wattley, has argued strongly for her release, stating that "Pat has fully accepted responsibility for everything she did" and emphasizing California's commitment to rehabilitation and second chances, as reported by Los Angeles Times and SFGate.
Krenwinkel, who is now 77 years old, was convicted in 1971 for her role in the notorious Manson family murders, including the brutal killing of actress Sharon Tate. She initially received a death sentence, which was later commuted to life imprisonment following a change in California's death penalty law. Her criminal actions during the 1969 killing spree have led to her being regarded as one of the most infamous figures in American crime history, according to NPR, Los Angeles Times, and SFGate.
Family members of the victims, particularly Debra Tate, sister of Sharon Tate, are vocal opponents of Krenwinkel’s potential release. Tate has spearheaded a petition opposing Krenwinkel’s parole, which has garnered over 116,000 signatures. She argues that the violent nature of Krenwinkel's crimes makes her unfit for release, claiming “Society cannot allow this serial killer who committed such horrible, gruesome, random killings back out,” emphasizing the lasting impact of the murders on victims’ families, as highlighted by Los Angeles Times and NPR.
The discourse surrounding Krenwinkel's case reflects the complex interplay of justice, rehabilitation, and public safety. As California continues to balance its parole laws and the expectations of society regarding crime and punishment, Krenwinkel’s case remains emblematic of these broader challenges in the criminal justice system. Attorney Wattley insists that under current California law, once an inmate is no longer deemed dangerous, they must be considered for parole release, reiterating arguments for her rehabilitation, supported by both psychological assessments and her conduct during imprisonment, according to SFGate and Los Angeles Times.