27th freedom bid for ex-Manson disciple

Bruce Davis, convicted with Manson and another man in two murders unrelated to the infamous Sharon Tate murders in 1969, was set for an appearance before a Los Angeles parole board panel yesterday, the eve of his 70th birthday.

Davis had been set for a hearing earlier this year at the California Men’s Colony at San Luis Obispo, but he became ill and it was delayed.

“It’s time for him to go home,” said Davis’s lawyer, Michael Beckman, who has been fighting for years to get his client released.

A parole board determined in 2010 that Davis was ready for release, but then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger reversed the decision, citing the heinous nature of the crimes.

Davis became a born-again Christian in prison. He ministered to other inmates, married a woman he met through the prison ministry, and has a grown daughter. The couple recently divorced.

Mr Beckman said Davis also earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in philosophy of religion.

Davis has been in prison since 1972 after being convicted in the murders of musician Gary Hinman and stuntman Donald “Shorty” Shea. He was convicted with Manson and another follower, Steve Grogan.

Mr Beckman said his client is totally rehabilitated and meets state requirements for parole. Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Patrick Sequeira planned to oppose his release.

Grogan was freed in 1985 after he led police to Shea’s buried body. Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme was released in 2009 after serving time for the attempted assassination of President Gerald Ford.

Manson and two of his followers, Leslie Van Houten and Patricia Krenwinkel, remain in prison for life over the Tate killings.