78-Year-Old Manson Family Killer Recommended for Parole After 56 Years
Patricia Krenwinkel, a convicted Manson family murderer, received a preliminary parole recommendation after more than five decades behind bars.
Patricia Krenwinkel, one of the most infamous members of the Manson family, was granted a preliminary parole recommendation during her 18th hearing, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. At 78 years old, she is eligible for release under the state’s elderly inmate parole program, but the decision is not final until the Board of Parole Hearings and the governor complete their review, with the governor having a 30-day window to overturn it.
This marks the third occasion Krenwinkel has been approved for parole, yet each prior approval was blocked by the governor’s office. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office said it will urge the governor to keep her incarcerated, citing public safety concerns. Krenwinkel, who was convicted in 1971 for seven murders including the killing of Sharon Tate and others, is currently serving her sentence at the California Institution for Women in Corona. Her case follows the recent release of fellow follower Leslie Van Houten, highlighting a shift in how the parole system handles aging members of the Manson family.
Why it matters
The case tests how the justice system balances rehabilitation with public safety for notorious, long-incarcerated criminals.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report that Patricia Krenwinkel received a preliminary parole recommendation and that the decision awaits further review, but left-leaning coverage highlights the district attorney’s call to keep her incarcerated on public-safety grounds, while right-leaning coverage stresses the governor’s prior overturn citing her continued danger despite a good record.
LEFT
Emphasizes the district attorney’s urging to block parole over public-safety concerns.
RIGHT
Emphasizes the governor’s prior decision to block parole, framing her as still dangerous despite rehabilitation.
The left emphasises
- DA will urge governor to keep her incarcerated
- cites public safety concerns
The right emphasises
- governor previously overturned parole, saying she remains a danger
- notes her educational achievements and disciplinary record
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