Manson Associate Denied Parole

The Associated Press, July 18, 2000

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (AP) - A state panel denied parole Tuesday to a former Manson Family member convicted of murdering two men.

Bruce Davis, an inmate at the California Men's Colony, was seeking his release for the 20th time.

"He was not found suitable for parole," board spokeswoman Denise Schmidt said.

Davis, 57, will be granted another hearing before the California Board of Prison Terms next year, Schmidt said.

He was convicted in the slayings of ranch hand and aspiring actor Donald "Shorty" Shea and musician Gary Hinman, who were killed before the Charles Manson cult carried out its infamous murder spree of Aug. 9-10, 1969.

Davis previously told the board Shea was killed because he threatened to expose the Manson group's illegal activities. His remains were found in 1979 after another Manson member told authorities where to look.

Hinman, a 33-year-old music teacher, was reportedly killed after refusing to join the cult.