Manson Family Member Eligible for Parole, But ...

Former Charles Manson acolyte Bruce Davis has been found eligible for parole—for the fourth time. Parole officials determined yesterday it was safe to release the 72-year-old, who has spent 43 years in prison for the 1969 murders of musician Gary Hinman and stuntman Donald "Shorty" Shea. As on the prior occasions, a 120-day review now commences, and the parole recommendation could be blocked by Gov. Jerry Brown—who did just that in 2013 and 2014; then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger also blocked parole. The AP reports Brown won't make a decision for a good five months.

Though Davis didn't play a role in the killings of actress Sharon Tate and six others, he was handed a life sentence in 1972 for what the AP terms the "lesser-known slayings." The Los Angeles Times reports that Hinman's body was discovered in Davis' home, which featured the words "political piggy" written on one wall in blood. In the decades since, the incarcerated Davis has gotten married, had a child, and gotten his doctoral degree in philosophy of religion. Manson won't next come face to face with a parole board until 2027. (More Charles Manson stories.)