Charles Manson's 'right-hand man,' Bruce Davis, dies in prison at 83

Key Points:

• Bruce Davis, known as Charles Manson’s “right-hand man,” died at 83 in a California prison hospital; he was convicted in 1972 for two murders linked to the Manson cult and served life in prison.
• Davis was involved in the killings of Gary Hinman and Donald “Shorty” Shea but was not part of the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders; he admitted to close involvement with Manson and sought to be his favorite follower.
• Despite being found suitable for parole eight times since 2010, California governors repeatedly blocked Davis’s release due to concerns over his lack of remorse and potential risk to public safety.
• Davis’s parole hearings included scrutiny over his plans to write a memoir and participate in public speaking, with officials worried about glorifying his crimes; his attorney argued he aimed to reflect on his past mistakes.
• Investigators suspect Davis’s involvement in additional unsolved murders linked to the Manson family, and he remained disciplined and rehabilitated during his decades in prison, earning a master’s degree and completing self-help programs.