For the third time in four years, a parole board has granted parole to Charles Manson associate Bruce Davis.
In 1972, Davis was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison for the deaths of musician Gary Hinman and Donald "Shorty" Shea. (Via California Department of Corrections)
Davis' killings came as a part of the Manson family murders that claimed nine lives during the summer of 1969, including that of actress Sharon Tate, who was pregnant at the time. (Via ABC)
Now, just because Davis was granted parole doesn't necessarily mean he will become a free man. There will be a four-month review of the decision and then it's up to the Governor of California, Jerry Brown.
Brown has rejected the parole board's recommendation before. In 2012 Brown wrote, "When considered as a whole, I find the evidence ... shows why he currently poses a danger to society if released from prison." (Via Flickr / Thomas Hawk)
Davis' lawyer argues he's a changed man. "He is no longer a risk of danger. He is overwhelmingly rehabilitated." (Via KCAL)
But family members of the victims continue to speak out and give their best effort to keep Davis behind bars.
"I see an old man who says what he thinks we should hear. I think he's forgotten the terror and everything he brought to other people." (Via KNBC)
If Davis is released he will be the first and only member of the infamous "Charles Manson family" let go on good behavior. Charles Manson is of course still in prison, he was denied parole in 2012 and his next hearing will be in 2027 when he's 92 years old.
