Ugh! Parole board may free Charles Manson henchman

Bruce Davis may walk out of prison soon

On Wednesday, a state panel recommended parole for Bruce Davis, one of many people in Charles Manson’s cult following who murdered for their “leader.”

The Los Angeles Times reports that Davis, 74, serving life for the 1969 killings of Buddhist musician Gary Hinman and stuntman Donald “Shorty” Shea, recently had his 31st parole meeting. Each time, he’s been denied, but many are worried that this 32nd try will bring him luck, especially after the California state panel recommended his release.

This isn’t the first time parole panels recommended Davis’ release. Previously, they recommended parole for him on four different occasions; all were blocked by California governors. Officials indicated that his age, along with good behavior behind bars, were a few of the reasons he’s been recommended for parole. He also earned his doctoral degree while serving time and is known for providing ministry services to other inmates.

Although Davis wasn’t involved in the famous Sharon Tate murder, carried out by other Manson followers, he did admit to attacking Shea with a knife. He also admitted that he held a gun to Hinman’s head while Manson slashed Hinman’s face with a sword. Afterwards, Hinman was left lying in agony for days on end until he finally passed away. In 2014, Davis said he’d do anything Manson asked because he wanted to be his leader’s “favorite guy.”

According to Los Angeles County District Attorney, Jackie Lacey, the Manson killings were “some of the most horrific crimes in California history,” and for that reason, along with a reported lack of remorse, she continues to object to Davis’ release.

“We believe he continues to exhibit a lack of insight and remorse and remains a public safety risk. Just because he’s going to be 75, he’s considered a low risk even though they said he has a personality disorder that he’s going to have to work on — his narcissistic behavior, need for acceptance, his grandiosity.”

Debra Tate, sister of slain Sharon Tate, stood beside Lacey in opposing Davis’ release.

[Feature Photo: California Department of Corrections]