Bruce Davis, a former member of the Charles Manson cult, has died at 83 while serving a life sentence at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville. The Solano County Coroner confirmed his death; no cause has been released. Convicted in 1972 for the murders of Gary Hinman and Donald 'Shorty' Shea, Davis had surrendered in 1970 and spent more than 50 years in prison with multiple parole recommendations denied. His death follows Charles Manson's 2017 death at age 83.
Bruce Davis, Former Manson Follower Convicted of Two Murders, Dies at 83
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Bruce Davis, a longtime member of the Charles Manson cult who was convicted of two murders, has died at the age of 83 while serving a life sentence.
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According to TMZ, Davis died on Friday, Sept. 11 at 11:03 p.m. at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, California. The Solano County Coroner's Office confirmed his death but has not released a cause.
Davis was considered one of Manson's more prominent followers, though he was not among those who carried out the infamous 1969 murders of actress Sharon Tate and several others. Instead, Davis was convicted for his involvement in the killings of musician Gary Hinman and ranch hand and stuntman Donald 'Shorty' Shea.
In 1972 Davis was found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison. He had surrendered to police in 1970 and remained behind bars for more than five decades. Although he received multiple recommendations for parole over the years, each was repeatedly denied.
Debra Tate, sister of Sharon Tate, told TMZ: "I always say a prayer upon their passing. Basically it says may they finally have clarity on the actions that they caused during their life, and may Lord have mercy on their souls."
Davis' death comes nearly nine years after Charles Manson himself died in prison in November 2017 at age 83. Officials have not provided additional details about Davis' final days or the cause of death.
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