Bruce Davis, 71, a former member of Charles Manson’s ‘family’, was granted parole on Wednesday. However, he may not get his wish of being a free man.
Davis was convicted of first degree murder, and sent to state prison in California, on April 21, 1972. He was found guilty of murdering Gary Hinman, a musician, and Donald “Shorty” Shea, a stuntman, in 1969. He was given a life sentence to be served at the Corcoran State Prison.
The Board of Parole Hearings in California granted Davis parole after his 28th parole hearing. However, Davis’ freedom does not solely rely on the decision of the Board. There is a 120-day internal review period, and then another 30 day waiting period in which Gov. Jerry Brown can overturn the decision. If Brown stands behind the Board’s decision, Davis will still be serving at least four more months in prison.
This is not the first time that Davis has been granted parole. In 2010 and 2012, the Board made the decision to give Davis parole based on Davis’ “positive adjustment, record of no recent disciplinary problems, and for successfully completing academic and vocational education and self-help programs.” However, former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gov. Brown reversed the decision.
“When considered as a whole, I find the evidence … shows why he currently poses a danger to society if released from prison,” Brown said in 2013 regarding his decision. “Until Davis can acknowledge and explain why he actively championed the Family’s interests and shed more light on the nature of his involvement, I am not prepared to release him,” Brown continued in his statement. “After 42 years of incarceration, it is encouraging that Davis is beginning to reveal the actual details of what happened. But it is clear that he continues to withhold information about these events.”
If the Board’s decision holds, Davis will become the first member of the ‘family’ to be released for good behavior.
Do you think Davis should be released? Leave your comments below.
Image via Mugshots.com