California Gov . Jerry Brown has reversed a parole board decision and denied the release of Bruce Davis -- a former associate of Charles Manson and a convicted murderer himself . `` I find the evidence shows that he currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if released from prison , '' Brown said in his decision released Friday night . `` Therefore , I reverse the decision to parole Davis . '' Davis was sent to state prison for life on April 21 , 1972 , for the first-degree murders of musician Gary Hinman and stuntman Donald `` Shorty '' Shea in 1969 . In March , the state Board of Parole Hearings granted parole for the 71-year-old Davis following his 28th parole suitability hearing . Brown had up to 150 days to nullify or modify the decision . In reversing the board , Brown cited the viciousness of the killing . `` The exceptional brutality of these crimes and the terror the Manson Family inflicted on the Los Angeles community 45 years ago still resonate , '' he said . It is the third time a California governor has refused to release Davis . In January 2010 and October 2012 , the parole board granted him parole . In the second case , the board explained it made such a recommendation because of Davis ' `` positive adjustment , record of no recent disciplinary problems , and for successfully completing academic and vocational education and self-help programs . '' Both times , the sitting governors -- first Arnold Schwarzenegger and later Brown -- reversed that decision . `` When considered as a whole , I find the evidence ... shows why he currently poses a danger to society if released from prison , '' Brown wrote in 2013 to explain his reversal . No Manson `` family '' member has been freed solely for good behavior . The group 's gruesome killings inspired the best-selling book `` Helter Skelter '' and made their undisputed ringleader Manson a cult figure . The 1969 spree ensnared several victims , including 8-months-pregnant actress Sharon Tate . Manson is serving a life sentence for his role in nine murders . He was denied parole for the 12th time in 2012 ; his next such hearing is set for 2027 , at which time he 'd be age 92 . Why people still pay attention to Charles Manson . LAPD hopes decades-old tapes hold clues to Manson murder mystery . Manson follower accused of trying to smuggle phone to cult leader .
Gov . Charles Manson had 1972 to nullify or modify a parole board 's decision . The governor has reversed a board 's decision to grant Davis parole before . Bruce Davis has been serving a life sentence since up to 150 days . An associate of Bruce Davis , Charles Manson was convicted of murder in a pair of killings .