Bruce Davis Parole DENIED: Schwarzenegger Rejects Parole For Manson Follower

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has rejected a recommendation to parole a member of Charles Manson's cult who was convicted of taking part in killings more than four decades ago.

Bruce Davis is serving life sentences for two 1969 slayings, although he was not involved in the infamous murders by Manson followers of actress Sharon Tate and six others in Los Angeles.

The governor in a letter made public on Monday reversed a January decision by the state parole board, saying the murders were "especially heinous." "I believe his release would pose an unreasonable risk of danger to society at this time," he wrote.

The board determined that Davis, 67, is ready to be released. While incarcerated, he earned a master's degree in religion and a doctorate in philosophy of religion, married and fathered a daughter.

Davis was convicted of helping kill musician Gary Hinman in his Topanga Canyon home and former stuntman Donald "Shorty" Shea, who lived in Manson's commune at the Spahn movie ranch in Chatsworth.

Schwarzenegger acknowledged that Davis had made "some credible gains" during his incarceration. But in turning down the parole recommendation, he cited the "especially heinous" nature of the slayings and Davis' repeated efforts to minimize his involvement.

The Republican governor also questioned whether Davis is still too willing to follow others' direction, noting his association with the American Nazi Party after he went to prison in 1972. He also found troubling Davis' statements that he would be subservient to his wife should he be released.

"Davis still exhibits conformist tendencies," Schwarzenegger said in a decision he signed on June 22. The decision was sent to Davis and the parole board on Friday.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley, the Republican nominee for attorney general, had urged Schwarzenegger to reject the parole board's recommendation.

Davis' attorney, Michael Beckman of Santa Monica, said he will file a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court to reverse the governor's decision. He said Schwarzenegger had no valid grounds to reverse recommendations by the parole board's chairman and a board-appointed psychiatrist.

"He doesn't pose a public danger," Beckman said of his client. "It's a political calculation rather than an individual consideration."

Comments

[mdm522]

01:33 AM on 07/06/2010

I realize that there are a great many who have done bad things that were long ago released from prison. But sometimes? There can be no leniency! These instances are / need to be reserved for those particularly heinous. Leave them to rot.

It's still a far cry more merciful than what they deserve. And far more from what they chose to deny innocent people. Life.

Screw them!

[Monica34]

08:36 PM on 07/05/2010

No, this was a wrong move, this guy didn't actually kill anyone. Read about him first, then make up your mind. He paid for his involvement, I'd have no problem being around him or have my children around him. If there is such a thing as rehabilitation, and obviously in our society we believe there is, then he has done it. He doesn't really make any excuses for himself, quite the opposite, so I don't know if Arnold even bothered himself with any details on this case. It is political, even though Arnold redefines a lame duck in political sense...

[zombywulf]

02:48 PM on 06/29/2010

Wow and after his mentor Saint Ronny let Manson out of the loony bin in the first place.

[Aldyth]

01:35 PM on 06/29/2010

As soon as he can bring his victims back to life, he should be considered for parole.

[peacefullittlebunny]

01:02 PM on 06/29/2010

Good news.

[topkatnc]

08:19 AM on 06/29/2010

It's a shame that Ca. got rid of the death penalty back when it affected Manson ... a real shame ...

[ragtally]

12:42 AM on 06/29/2010

life means life let him rot

[hellsfire]

12:12 AM on 06/29/2010

Release him ARnold and put him in places right next to this two posters.

[LeeCalif]

10:34 PM on 06/28/2010

EVERYTHING Schwartz does is a political calculation.

[doublels]

09:22 PM on 06/29/2010

I suspect that goes for every politician on the planet.

[cybolt]

09:40 PM on 06/28/2010

"Davis still exhibits conformist tendencies," Schwarzenegger said.
Isn't that what you want? Someone who will conform to society's rules?

Oh, I'll bet Gov More-on is reading Davis' mind about exactly who and what he intends to conform to.

[FDRbyGodDemocrat]

02:03 AM on 06/30/2010

I don't think Davis should be let out, but after decades in prison, who the heck wouldn't exhibit conformist tendencies. Sheesh!