Manson follower, 69, step closer to parole

LOS ANGELES – A California prisons panel on Thursday granted parole to a notorious killer described as a “right-hand man” to Charles Manson during a murder spree four decades ago.

It marks a rare time in recent years that the parole board has recommended freedom to a member of the Manson family.

But whether Bruce Davis, 69, walks out of California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo after spending more than four decades behind bars will depend on Gov. Jerry Brown, who has 120 days to review the case.

Saying he “would pose an unreasonable risk of danger to society,” then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger blocked a 2010 recommendation to parole Davis. Brown had no immediate comment Thursday.

But Manson family prosecutor Stephen Kay said he was alarmed at the prospect of Davis’ release.

“Would you want to wake up and find Bruce Davis next door?” Kay said. “I think not.” Kay said Davis should die in prison.

In a news release, state prison officials said the panel agreed to parole Davis because of his “positive adjustment, record of no recent disciplinary problems, and for successfully completing academic and vocational education and self-help programs.”

Davis did not participate in the 1969 Manson family murders of actress Sharon Tate and six others.

He was convicted in the slayings of Gary Hinman, an aspiring musician, and Donald “Shorty” Shea, a stuntman and a ranch hand at the Chatsworth ranch where Manson and his followers lived.

Most of the key players in the Manson murders – including Charles “Tex” Watson, Leslie Van Houten and Patricia Krenwinkle – continue to serve life sentences with the possibility of parole. Most, including Manson, have been denied repeated requests for parole.

In 2009, Manson follower Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme was released from prison.

Manson follower Susan Atkins, who stabbed actress Sharon Tate to death more than 40 years ago, was denied parole even when she was terminally ill. She died in September 2009.