Manson Follower Bruce Davis Dies in Prison at 83

Bruce Davis, convicted Manson follower, was pronounced dead by a registered nurse at 11:03 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at age 83 at California Medical Facility in Vacaville. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials confirmed the death Monday through spokeswoman Mary Xjimenez. The cause was not disclosed and the Solano County Coroner will determine it. Davis was convicted in 1972 of two counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy for the July 25, 1969, stabbing death of musician Gary Hinman in Topanga Canyon and the killing of Donald "Shorty" Shea, last seen alive Aug. 27, 1969. He was not involved in the Tate or La Bianca murders. He was found suitable for parole seven times; each decision was reversed by the sitting governor. Gov. Gavin Newsom reversed the most recent grant in 2021, writing that Davis "joined one of the most notorious cults in American history and actively aided in furthering Charles Manson’s goal of triggering an apocalyptic war arising from racial tensions and with the goal of creating societal disorder," that the crimes "are among the most disturbing reported in our state’s history," that Davis "knowingly participated in two of these murders," "continues to minimize his involvement in the Hinman and Shea murders and lacks insight," "cannot be safely released," and must "demonstrate deeper insight into his involvement in these crimes and take full responsibility for his part in one of the darkest points of California's history." Davis was denied parole for another three years at his August 2024 hearing. Steve Grogan, also convicted in Shea's murder, was the first former Manson follower paroled, in 1985.