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Top Manson family lieutenant behind two horrific slayings dies

top-manson-family-lieutenant-behind-two-horrific-slayings-dies
Top Manson family lieutenant behind two horrific slayings dies

A former lieutenant and so-called “right-hand man” of cult leader Charles Manson, who had a role in several brutal murders, has reportedly died.

Bruce Davis died on Sept. 11 at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, where he was serving a life sentence for his horrific crimes, according to TMZ.

He was convicted in 1972 for his role in two 1969 murders carried out by members of the Manson family –– the torture-slaying of musician Gary Hinman and the murder of Spahn Ranch stuntman Donald “Shorty” Shea.

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Mugshot of Bruce Davis, an inmate and follower of Charles Manson.

Inmate Bruce Davis is shown in a photo dated Oct. 21, 2020. AP

Bruce Davis with the Manson Family

Handcuffed Davis, seen walking with his attorney Daye Shinn (right), was indicted for the 1969 murder of Gary Hinman. Bettmann Archive

He previously said he cut Shea with a knife and held a gun while Manson cut Hinman’s face with a sword.

While Davis was not present during the infamous Tate-LaBianca killings that summer, prosecutors established that he was a chief lieutenant within the group who helped orchestrate and execute key operations under Manson’s direction.

Davis was recommended for parole in 2019 after a court hearing in San Luis Obispo, California. Under state rules, the decision entered a 120-day review period, leaving Gov. Gavin Newsom with final authority to uphold or overturn the release.

Collage of a mugshot of Bruce Davis in 2014, with gray hair and a blue shirt, smiling, next to a mugshot of him in 1970, with dark, shaggy hair.

Davis, left, on March 12, 2014, and right in 1970. He was convicted of taking part in the Hinman and Shea murders. AP

Charles Manson in court, clean-shaven and with a haircut, wearing a blue denim jacket over a light blue shirt.

Davis was a chief lieutenant within the cult led by Charles Manson, pictured. Bettmann Archive

California governors historically blocked parole for Manson cult members, with both Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jerry Brown rejecting Davis’ previous bids.

Davis was not involved in the more notorious killings of actress Sharon Tate and six others by Manson’s group, the subject of a movie by director Quentin Tarantino, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”

The Manson Family was a notorious California-based commune, gang, and cult led by Manson in the late 1960 famous for a two-night killing spree in Los Angeles in August 1969 that claimed the lives of nine people.


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