Watch CBS News

Convicted Murderer, Former Charles Manson Associate Granted Parole

SAN LUIS OBISPO (CBS13) - A convicted killer and Charles Manson associate was granted parole Thursday in his 27th hearing before the prison board.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's Board of Parole Hearings granted parole to Bruce Davis, 69, during a hearing at California Men's Colony.

Davis was previously granted parole in January 2010 but that the decision was reversed by then Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The parole board noted his successful completion of academic and vocational education programs, but Schwarzenegger concluded Davis was still dangerous because of a diagnosis of a personality disorder, Davis' conformist tendencies and his sporadic participation in substance-abuse programs over the years.

Davis challenged Schwarzenegger's reversal in Los Angeles County Superior Court, which ruled against Schwarzenegger and vacated his decision, but California's Second District Court of Appeal upheld the governor's reversal last year.

Davis appeared before the panel Thursday. The suitability finding is subject to a 120-day decision review period. If the grant is finalized at the conclusion of decision review, the governor can conduct an independent review of the decision. Under state law, the governor can reverse, modify, affirm or decline to review the board's decision.

Davis was sent to state prison on April 21, 1972, with a life sentence from Los Angeles County for two counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder and robbery. He was convicted for the July 25, 1969, murder of Gary Hinman and the murder of Donald "Shorty" Shea sometime in August 1969.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.