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Manson Follower Krenwinkel Not Likely to Get Parole Today
Behind bars for over forty years, Charles Manson follower Patricia Krenwinkel, now 63, will likely remain behind bars despite facing a parole hearing today, according to the Associated Press .
Krenwinkel was sentenced to death for her role in the 1969 "Tate-LaBiana Murders," but the sentence was commuted to life in 1972. During her four decades of imprisonment, Krenwinkel "has earned a bachelor's degree and participated in numerous self help programs as well as teaching illiterate prisoners how to read. In recent years, she has been involved in a program to train service dogs for the disabled."
However, it seems unlikely Krenwinkel, now the longest-imprisoned woman in California history, will be granted parole. Convicted alongside Susan Atkins and Leslie Van Houten, neither of her former accomplices were granted parole, despite frequent attempts. Atkins died in prison in 2009 , after being denied a compassionate release due to her terminal illness.
Last summer Van Houten "was denied a parole date last summer by officials who said she had not gained sufficient insight into her crimes." She had been considered the woman most likely to be granted parole.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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