KCOY Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo - News-Former Manson Member Davis Granted Parole

Former Manson Member Davis Granted Parole

1.29.10

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY - 67 year old Bruce Davis has been in prison since 1972 most of that time at the California Men's Colony near San Luis Obispo.

Officials say Davis has been a model prisoner completing all available educational, vocational and self help programs while earning a Masters degree and a Doctorate in Theology.

Pastor Ron Salsbury has known Bruce Davis for more than 15 years.

"I just feel he's the real deal, that he's a genuinely changed person and of character", Salsbury says, "(he) can be a great asset to society as I have written in many, many letters."

Bruce Davis was given a life sentence for his role in the murders of two men in 1969 in the L.A. area both of which were ordered by Charles Manson.

At a five hour parole suitability hearing on Thursday his attorney says Davis acknowledged for the first time he shared responsibility for the murders even though he personally didn't kill anyone.

The decision to recommend parole for Davis will be reviewed for any errors for up to 120 days.

"If the grant is finalized at the conclusion of that decision review, then the governor can conduct an independent review of the decision as well", says Terry Thornton from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Governor Schwarzenegger would have up to 30 days to grant Bruce Davis his freedom, send it back to the Parole Board for reconsideration or reverse the decision.

If he is paroled, Bruce Davis hopes to live with his wife and daughter in the Five Cities area and work at the New Life Community Church of the Nazarene in Pismo Beach where Pastor Salsbury says Davis would be welcomed by the congregation.

"Its very hard to get parole especially in this kind of situation obviously", Salsbury says, "for them to give this recommendation I think speaks volumes, I mean we believed in him for years but they're recommending this and I hope that it happens because he's a very unique man."

The governor's decision to grant or deny parole to Bruce Davis can be influenced by letters of support or opposition mailed to the Board of Parole hearings in Sacramento.

The address is: Board of Parole Hearings, PO Box 4036, Sacramento, CA 95812-4036

The only other Manson Family cult member convicted of murder to be released from prison was Steve Grogan in 1985.