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Manson Family Member Bruce Davis Granted Parole (Again)
For the second time in less than three years, The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's Board of Parole Hearings (BPH) issued a grant of parole today to Bruce Davis, a former "Manson Family" member. This was Davis' 27th parole suitability hearing, according to the CDCR.Davis, 69, has been incarcerated for 40 years, serving life sentences for two 1969 murders separate from the more notorious slaying of actress Sharon Tate and several others at her rented hilltop home. His convictions are for the murder of Gary Hinman on July 25, 1969, and for the murder of Donald "Shorty" Shea sometime between August 16 and September 1, 1969, though some believe Davis is tied to at least one other killing.
But this isn't the first time Davis has been granted parole. The CDCR explains in a release:
The BPH issued a grant of parole to Davis in January 2010 because of his positive adjustment, record of no recent disciplinary problems, and for successfully completing academic and vocational education and self-help programs. However, the parole grant was reversed by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in June 2010, who concluded Davis was still dangerous because of an evaluator's diagnosis of a personality disorder, Davis' conformist tendencies, and his sporadic participation in substance-abuse programs over the years.
Davis challenged the reversal, and won in Los Angeles County Superior Court, however, this year, "California's Second District Court of Appeal upheld the Governor's reversal of the January 28, 2010, grant, ruling that the Governor's concerns were justified and supporting his conclusion that Davis was still dangerous," elaborates the CDCR.
Much like the prior time, Davis' parole is subject to further review. First, today's finding is subject to a 120-day decision review period. If it holds up through that phase, it next goes to Governor Jerry Brown, who has the option to "reverse, modify, affirm or decline to review the Board's decision."
As detailed earlier this year when Davis had been slated for a hearing, if released, Davis would go to transitional housing in Los Angeles County and would try to pursue a career in the ministry. He is a born-again Christian and has earned a doctorate degree in philosophy of religion while behind bars.
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