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It's the 14th time at bat for Charles "Tex" Watson, one of convicted killer Charles Manson's family members, as he goes before a parole board for a hearing today at Mule Creek State Prison.Watson, incarcerated for the crimes for 42 years now, has previously called himself Manson's "right-hand man," and is the one who fatally stabbed pregnant actress Sharon Tate multiple times the night of August 9, 1969, while fellow Manson follower Susan Atkins held her down. The following night, Watson took part in the killings at the Los Feliz home of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca.
Convicted for the killings and sentenced to death in 1971, Watson and his fellow perpetrators had their sentences commuted to life in prison when the death penalty was abolished in California. No one convicted for the famous "Manson Murders" of 1969 has been granted parole; even Atkins was denied a compassionate release when she became afflicted with terminal cancer. Atkins died in prison just days later.
Watson became a born-again Christian in the mid-1970s, and he operates A Prisoner Outreach With Abounding Love. He is also an author and ordained minister.
Relatives of Watson's victims are expected to speak at the hearing today in opposition of Watson's parole.
UPDATE 3:09 PM: Watson was denied parole today. He is next eligible to go before the parole board again in five years.
