Bruce Davis Denied by Newsom...

Denver resident seeks to block parole of Manson family killer

By Tom McGhee

The Denver Post

Posted:   12/14/2014 12:01:00 AM MST

Kay Martley remembers cousin Gary Hinman lowering his lanky, adolescent frame onto a bench and ripping through a classical piano repertoire as he entertained at family gatherings in his Fort Collins home.

It isn't easy to reconcile that vibrant image with the autopsy report describing the multiple knife wounds and decomposing body after the musician became the first known fatality tied to Charles Manson and his followers.

In the 45 years since a knife to the heart ended Hinman's life, California's Board of Parole Hearings on three separate occasions has decided that Manson family member Bruce Davis, who was involved in the murder, was sufficiently rehabilitated to go free.
Each time, a California governor — first Arnold Schwarzenegger, then Jerry Brown — overturned the board decision.

Davis, 72, remains locked up in the California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo, Calif., serving the life sentence a jury gave him 42 years ago, despite his claims of rehabilitation.

That is where he belongs, said Martley, a Denver resident who says she is already dreading another parole hearing next year. She recently asked the parole board to deny Davis' bid for release.

"None of the members of the Manson family should ever be released into society. The horrific way my cousin was murdered should not be forgotten. Gary was brutally tortured for three days, then murdered and his body left to decompose. Parole is not justice for Gary Hinman," Martley wrote in a Nov. 23 letter to the board.

Hinman was a music teacher who moved to California, where he befriended the Manson family. He allowed Davis and others to stay at his home.

California's Board of Parole Hearings recently advised Martley that Davis has asked the board to fast-track his next parole-suitability hearing, which would normally be held no sooner than next September.

Behind bars, Davis earned a Ph.D. in the philosophy of religion, married, fathered a child, divorced, became a born-again Christian and stopped using drugs. Now, he ministers to other prisoners.

"Gary is gone, he has nothing. They took all his privileges away for life. It makes me mad that they let (Davis) get married and have conjugal rights. He is rehabilitated in prison? Let him work with prisoners," she said.

Hinman's death, in July 1969, was a big blow to a family that over four generations had carved a comfortable place for themselves in Colorado.

The fathers of Martley and Hinman formed Hinman Brothers Construction, a company involved in the building of the Platoro Dam in the San Luis Valley in the late 1940s.

Another uncle, Wallace Hinman of Yampa, served in the state legislature.

"The whole family was devastated. We are Coloradans. We didn't have people murdered in our family. We were taxpayers, productive citizens. We owned ranches, businesses. It was unbelievable it could happen to members of our family."

When Martley attended Davis' March parole hearing at the California Men's Colony, it was the first time a member of Hinman's family went to any of Davis' more than 25 such hearings.

Hinman's parents are dead, and a sister who received death threats at the time of the trial stayed away because she didn't want to relive the past, Martley said.

"His sister said, 'I don't want to dig it up. I'm afraid. It was awful at the time of the trial. I don't want anything to do with it,' " Martley recalled.

Debra Tate, sister of Manson family murder victim Sharon Tate, has attended every parole hearing for each of the Manson family members.

"I think there are circumstances where first-degree murder is committed and it is unlikely to reoccur. One does their time and they are very unlikely to go back into a situation where it is likely to repeat," Tate said.

But the members of the Manson family are domestic terrorists and serial murderers, and remain dangerous in spite of their age, Tate said.

"My sister would be 72 in January. I think she would be quite disgusted at the possibility of folks like this getting out," she said.

Davis didn't go on the murderous expedition that the Manson followers made to actress Sharon Tate's home, where they butchered her and four others. Nor was he involved in the killings of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca one day later.

But a Los Angeles jury found him guilty of participating in the murder of both Hinman and movie stuntman Donald "Shorty" Shea, who was hacked to death because Manson believed he was an informer.

Three times, the parole board found that Davis made strides toward rehabilitation while in prison and is no longer a threat to society, said Bill Sessa, spokesman for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Hinman "was a nerdy kid, smart," who played piano and a number of other instruments, Martley said.
In California, he moved into a house in the hills above Los Angeles and got involved in the free-wheeling music scene.

"He had no problems as a kid, but when he got to California, then he got into drugs," Martley said.
Hinman, who was 34 when he was killed, eventually gave up the drugs and became a Buddhist, Martley said.

His Roman Catholic parents decided to take him to Japan, where he could further explore Buddhism, Martley said.

"They felt like they were supporting him since he had cleaned up from drugs," Martley said.
On July 27, 1969, Hinman was stabbed to death.

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_27132037/denver-resident-seeks-block-parole-manson-family-killer 

A letter from Bill Nelson to Bruce Davis

Dear Mr. Bruce M. Davis:

Today, I am busy packing up all of my library of the Manson murders, the case, parole hearings, interviews and research, contacts, etc. and shipping off two boxes to an anonymous purchaser of my vast resources collected over the past eleven years. I have taken down my web site. I have changed addresses and telephone numbers. In fact, I did not even give a forwarding number for my personal telephone. I am treating this like the people of God were told to do in the Old Testament, not leaving so much as a particle/leaven, or keep sake of the case. I am not even keeping one copy of my book Manson Behind The Scenes, nor the autographed books from other authors including Mr. Vincent Bugliosi and Greg King.

I was the one who introduced television cameras into your parole hearing. You know that for a fact. I was the one who said on television prior to a parole hearing that you should be the "primary suspect" in the unsolved Zodiac murders. I have read the 1973 interview by Lt. Earl Deemer, retired-now deceased regarding your knowledge of Doreen Gaul and her murder with James Sharp. You retorted at the time…"I am not very impressed with your offer of immunity since I am serving a life sentence for two murders." Now that you believe you are near a parole date, I wonder if the authorities had enough insight and ability to haul you in for another interview, if you might sing a different song. You did know Doreen Gaul. You knew her intimately. She was in Scientology, had achieved the "Clear" status the night of her murder. November 21, 1969 should be a date that lives in the recesses of your mind as you close your eyes at night. There was a letter from the "Zodiac" found in her belongings after her murder. My personal opinion-not that you asked for it- is that you and Tex did the dirty deed together, then left for Las Vegas where four days later you both were bragging that you were going to raise some money to get Manson out of jail, or start killing some people. You did not count on a snitch calling the LAPD about that did you? That is how we know about it. You lived in the same Scientology house as she did. She had been threatened prior to her murder, hit in the head (September) like it was some kind of warning. Her father told me that she was asking to come home and he replied that he would send a round trip ticket. Doreen Gaul said to her father, "No, Dad, I want to come home for good. This Scientology is a bunch of crap." Witnesses heard her screaming in the alley - - - - "Oh no! Jimmy. Jimmy!" Just like the case with the murder of Shorty, in the back of the Spahn Ranch and not in the middle of the day driving down the Santa Suzanna Pass, Barbara Hoyt was not supposed to hear his screams…. but she did!

You have been to Riverside, California but you have refused to admit it. I only learned about it when I met your church going buddy from Morrow Bay, the talented Black former Kansas City Chiefs pro football player, "Bruce told me he had been to Riverside." Riverside is the scene of an unsolved murder of Cheri Jo Bates, 10-30-66, a young attractive future flight attendant, like Beth. Zodiac left a note after that murder too. The language matches that of Doreen Gaul. But, you knew that. Riverside PD has tried in vein to match DNA with their "favorite" local boy, but are now silent that there is obviously no match with Bill Bennett. The poor man has been drug through the mud for decades for her murder but he did not do that one either.

You admitted in the recent parole hearing that you went to Tahoe. Bruce, that is another unsolved scene from the Zodiac murders. Donna Laas.

The sister of Darlene Ferrin has identified you as the man seated in the white four-door sedan, in Vallejo, CA that July 4, 1969 night at Terry’s restaurant. Positive ID! I have it on videotape. You are fortunate that the SFPD is not interested. Putting her hand to her chest, she said, "I never thought I would see that man again!"

Remember Modesto, and the horror filled night ride for Kathleen Johns from Riverside? The wheel that came off, the offer to give a ride, and the silence for many minutes before she asked a question? Well Bruce, Kathleen gave a pretty interesting response, hyperventilated, and had to catch her breath when I showed her your photograph from the day you surrendered in Los Angeles, December, 1970.

The letter sent to the prison last year from Barbara Hoyt that was not read in the hearing room. That is tragic, because she would have exposed you as a liar if it had been read. All of the court evidence, trial testimony, and witnesses agree that the murder of Shorty Shea occurred down by the creek bed, towards Simi Valley, after 2200 and not in the day light driving down the pass. Bruce, that is where he was moved, buried, and found only after Clem gave authorities the location. That was right, Clem! The one not so bright. Stupid in fact, he gave up the body. Not you, Tex, or Susan with your Christian conversions and coming forth with the "Truth" - - -. Clem! And, Tex was never prosecuted for the murder of Shorty Shea. Neither you, nor Manson, nor Clem would give him up and that is what was needed to convict. Wanting to get out of prison, are you now ready to come clean and finger Charles Denton Tex Watson as a co-conspirator in the murder of Shorty Shea? Are you that brave of a Christian Bruce?

It was an insult the way your attorney Mr.Denny said that he tried to find the relatives of Shorty or Gary. He is an attorney, he can hire investigators, and he could have obtained the desired information that is if he were really interested! All he really had to do was go to the courthouse and obtain the death certificate. It is all right there, but fear not Bruce, both parents of Gary are now deceased and the wife of Shorty (remember she was Black) has not been seen for decades. That is the same thing I did when I wanted to look up Beth. It is all right there, on the marriage certificate, on the birth certificate, the address, births, marriages, dates, places…all right there. Did Beth tell you that I actually met her face to face one day many years ago? I was photographing her condo when she walked up carrying little Taylor -well actually she was quite large in the head- and we spoke. You see, Bruce, I had a camera in my hands, meant her no harm personally, unlike you Manson murderers who used knives and guns.

I do believe that you will be released. It may not be on the watch of Governor Gray Davis though. I have fought against that release and tried to connect you with unsolved murders for eleven years. I have information that Zodiac paraphernalia was found related to you following your arrest. Now I leave it in Gods’ hands. You once said that you just wanted the truth to come out. Well, Bruce, so do we. This case is not worth me dying over and I know that is what would happened should I have continued to investigate, uncover, and find people who were eye witnesses to crime victims, scenes, or conversations. 

 

Here is the letter from Barbara, telling the truth, unlike you and your attorney that the BPT and CMC buried stating it…."Would be a security problem" for it to be read. That was really silly.

So…I will no longer be looking over your shoulder, no longer doing research. But, should the news pick it up, I would love to hear that you came clean about those murders you really know about. I leave you with this last thought.

When told by a news person the day of your surrender

That you would be tried for two murders, you responded…

"Is that all? They don’t know the half of it!"

Sincerely,
Bill Nelson
P. O. Box 1585,
Costa Mesa, Ca 92628

Gaul/Sharp... etc.

http://www.zodiackillersite.com/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=434

Chris Writes:

Hola Lynyrd,

The link above is worth a read through. It neatly follows the Gaul/Sharp murder. It includes documents of a confession, why the DA didn't follow it up, and then segues into the Manson connection. I'm not too convinced it was Bruce and Tex, but thought you might find it interesting.

Regards

Chris

Listen Here:

      Courtesy of Brian Davis at StarCity Radio
                        http://www.starcityradio.com/tlbradio
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Lady Justice and the Blindfold:

Since the 15th century, Lady Justice has been depicted wearing a blindfold. The blindfold represents objectivity, in that justice is or should be, meted out objectively, without fear or favour, regardless of identity, money, power, or weakness. (i.e., blind justice and impartiality)

I listened to Attorney Michael Beckman last night, on Brian's show.

Once again, Beckman was calm, level-headed and extremely informative.  In short, I have tremendous respect for the man.  I think it's important, for Beckman's information to be heard and circulated.  I feel very strongly about that.  There's tremendous value, in his words.

In that light, I have asked Brian for a copy of Beckman's commentary.  Brian has agreed.
If things go to plan, I should have the audio of Beckman's commentary for you, within 24 hours (or so).

For those completely in the dark, Michael Beckman is Bruce Davis' attorney.

I hope with time, that the various TLB locations will begin co-existing peacefully, so we can share information in this manner.  These on-going feuds, have simply gone too far, and have extended into the realm of bad taste.  There are times when sharing pertinent TLB information, should take precedence over our disagreements.  I believe, this is one of those times.  It is my goal to be on good terms with everyone.

"For a successful technology, reality must take precedence over public relations".
Richard Feynman - US Educator and Physicist (1919-1988)

Peace... LS

Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday blocked parole for Manson Family member Bruce Davis. (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation / March 1, 2013) 

March 1, 2013, 12:51 p.m.

Saying he still poses a threat to society, Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday blocked parole for Manson family member Bruce Davis.

“Until Davis can acknowledge and explain why he actively championed the Family’s interests, and shed more light on the nature of his involvement, I am not prepared to release him,” the governor wrote in his decision.

Davis, 26 at the time of the killings, was convicted and imprisoned in 1972 for his role in the murders of two men, ranch hand Donald “Shorty” Shea, who also worked as a Hollywood stuntman, and aspiring musician Gary Hinman.

Details of Shea’s killing have always remained murky, muddied more by Davis’ recent account that the ranch hand was taken to a different location and killed not the night that prosecutors claimed, but the following morning. Another Manson family member, Steve “Clem” Grogan, allegedly cut off Shea’s head. Grogan, the only Manson family member convicted of murder to be set free, won parole in 1985 by leading law enforcement to Shea’s body. California corrections officials said he has since had no criminal offenses in this state.

Like Grogan, Davis, now 70, was not implicated in the 1969 murders of actress Sharon Tate and four others in a Benedict Canyon home, nor of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca. Hinman was held captive for days, tortured and then killed in July 1969 as part of an extortion plot at the outset of the infamous Manson family murder spree.

Shea’s August 1969 stabbing and beheading death took place after, in August or September 1969, because Manson believed he was a police informant.

[Updated 12:55 p.m., March 1: Davis’ attorney, Michael Beckman, said he was “disappointed and saddened by the governor's horrible decision to play politics yet again with Bruce Davis' life.” Beckman said the governor’s reasons for denying parole would be “laughable if the consequences for my client weren't so devastating."]

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/political/la-me-ff-manson-family-parole-20130301,0,2553587.story

===================================================================

Lynyrd Responds to the Outcome:

It seems, I'm a bit late to the party.
I had responsibilities today, which could not be ignored.

Thanks Katie for posting this news in my absence, and thanks Marliese for visiting... it's always good to see you.

I'm truly saddened by the outcome of this situation.

This decision speaks volumes, regarding the shortcomings of our system.
Brown's decision is clear admission, that our system is majorly flawed. 

Chew on this:
A man gets approved (for a second time) by our own board of prison terms. 
This board of course, is not a lone individual mind you... but a "panel" of folks, who make these decisions every day.
These are appointed officials.

And once again, their decision is reversed.
Once again, our own system, is in disagreement with itself.

This complete inability of our politicians and legal entities to reach consensus, is the same exact situation, which led to the reversal of Davis' original death sentence!

My post from a previous thread:

"In a nutshell.... from the late 1960's through the early 1990's in California... the public and politicians were heavily in favor of capital punishment... while the Courts, both State and Federal, were strongly opposed. 

That struggle persisted for over two decades. 
The politicians and public, kept passing Pro Death Penalty laws... and the courts (both state and federal) thwarted their efforts around every turn (with abolition laws). 

The Pro Death Penalty laws were in place so temporarily, and moreover, were so effectively undermined by the courts, they became (for all intents and purposes) worthless. 
The Pro Death Penalty laws became "defacto" at best."

We have literally gotten NOWHERE in 40 years!
"We've come a long way baby"???
NOT.

I'm totally disgusted.

Then people wonder why there's violence and apathy in prison? 

Attorney Beckman said:
“I'm disappointed and saddened by the governor's horrible decision to play politics yet again with Bruce Davis' life.  The governor’s reasons for denying parole would be “laughable if the consequences for my client weren't so devastating."

I agree with attorney Beckman.
This situation is completely disheartening.

My main question, is this:
Why (the funk) are we even having these parole hearings??
Seriously.  What is the point?
Can we finally just admit, that we're simply "going through the motions" because we have to?
Can we at least, admit that much???

Regardless of our feelings towards Davis personally, and our views on his retainment...
can we all at least admit, that these parole hearings have become a complete farce?

It seems Manson has made the correct choice.
Shit all over the system, and make no effort towards rehabilitation, because you're not getting out anyway.

Somewhere in a cement prison cell right now... Manson is gloating.
And conversely, Davis... a man who has made every reasonable effort to play by the numbers... is crying.
Quite a message!
Fabulous system we have here... just fabulous.

To say that our system is dysfunctional, is an understatement.
Excuse me now, while I puke.
This isn't even about Davis anymore... it's bigger than Davis... it about hypocrisy.

According to this source... We'll know Tomorrow

Ex-Manson Follower May Get Released On Parole

Posted: Feb 27, 2013 7:31 PM EST
Updated: Feb 27, 2013 7:31 PM EST
By Liberty Zabala

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- Convicted killer and former Charles Manson follower, Bruce Davis may be released on parole.

Davis' parole was granted back in October 2012, after 27 tries and 30 years in prison. He is still being held at California's Men Colony. 

Governor Jerry Brown has until Friday to decide if Davis will be released.

Officials say Davis has been a role model prisoner completing all available educational, vocational and self help programs.

This isn't the first time Davis has been issued parole.

In  January of 2010, Davis was recommended for parole but it was reversed by then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Davis planned to move to Grover Beach and was once welcomed to volunteer at New Life Community Church in Pismo Beach but when Central Coast News reached out to the church today but they didn't want to comment.

If freed, Davis will go to transitional housing affiliated with Los Angeles County religious groups.

"They did issue a grant of parole to inmate, Bruce Davis, because of his positive adjustment, his record of no recent disciplinary problems and his successful completing academic and vocational education and self help programs," says California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Deputy Press Secretary Terry Thornton.

Under California law, the governor may reverse, modify, affirm or decline to review the board's decision.

Central Coast News reached out to Governor Jerry Brown's press office who said they won't comment until after the decision is made on Friday. 

http://www.kcoy.com/story/21419102/ex-manson-follower-may-get-released-on-parole

The latest news on Davis parole possibility

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California's governor has been asked to make the final decision on whether a former Charles Manson follower will be released on parole after serving more than 40 years in prison.
 

The state's Board of Parole Hearings submitted to Gov. Jerry Brown its recommendation that Bruce Davis is suitable for parole. The documents were submitted Friday, one day ahead of the deadline, according to California Department of Corrections spokeswoman Terry Thornton.
 

The board's attorneys were required to review the findings of a two-member panel which ruled he was suitable for parole. They confirmed there were no errors of fact or law in the submission.

The governor has up to 30 days to make a decision. His options are to affirm, decline, modify or decline to review, which would allow the parole to take effect, Thornton said.
 

Los Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey sent a letter to the board last week opposing Davis' release.
 

Davis was 30 when he was sentenced to life in prison in 1972.  Davis long maintained that he was a bystander in the killings of the two men, but in recent years, he has acknowledged his shared responsibility.
 

If he is freed, Davis will go to transitional housing associated with religious groups in Los Angeles County.

Davis became a born-again Christian in prison and ministered to other inmates, married a woman he met through the prison ministry, and has a grown daughter. The couple recently divorced.  Davis also earned a master's degree and a doctorate in philosophy of religion.

Bruce Davis Parole - Thoughts and Emotions

Lynyrd Weighs-In on Bruce Davis...

I have very mixed emotions, about Davis’ parole.

I never thought I'd say this in a million years... but, I think the right thing to do, is release him.

I'm not a supporter of Bruce Davis by any means. I'm not dying to see him released.
Yes... I find him very creepy. And yes... I also believe, that Davis is likely guilty of more crimes (than he was convicted of)...

But the fact of the matter, is that keeping this guy incarcerated any longer, seems to contradict the intent of our justice system, and the intent of his sentence.

Before everyone jumps down my throat:
I'm fully aware, that Bruce Davis could be kept incarcerated until his death, without breaking any laws. I understand that.

I'm not speaking literally, from a legal standpoint.
I'm speaking from the gut... my sense of "fair play", as it were...

This guy has served over four decades in prison.
He has earned two advanced degrees... and to my knowledge, has a spotless record.
He's already earned two approvals, and he's old as the hills.

If we keep Davis in prison forever... it begs the question:
Why are we bothering with these parole hearings??
What is the point??
Is this some kind of 21st century "cruel and unusual" joke??

And moreover…
What kind of message would another governor veto, send to other inmates?
Why should young inmates even try??

I took a management job many years ago. My superior at that time, was a great mentor.
My first week, he advised me:
"Remember... every decision that you make sends a message, and sets a precedent".
I found his words, to be true.

I think releasing Davis, would send a powerful message to guys like Charles Manson, who remain defiant throughout their entire incarceration.  It would send a powerful message, to inmates (like Manson) who squander their time, and skip parole hearings.
Sometimes, a bit of jealousy goes a long way. 
Let the defiant inmates sit and stew, while Davis is out enjoying himself.
Jealousy can be both… a powerful motivator and a cruel punisher.

Releasing Davis, would also send a very positive message to young inmates with years ahead of them, that hard work and good behavior will be rewarded.

In short...
More positive outcomes can be accomplished by releasing Davis (at this point), than continuing to retain him.
If you deny Davis, you're telling defiant inmates like Manson, that they've won... and young upcoming inmates, that it's not worth trying.

As I've outlined...
I believe these decisions are bigger than one individual's fate (in this case Davis‘).
These decisions can be used to improve our prison system (to create hope and motivation among inmates), or the opposite (to create despair and apathy).
Think about it.

We have to ask ourselves:
Are we really working towards rehabilitation?
Or, is that just a handy catch-phrase we use, to soothe our own conscience?

Are we operating on 100% vengeance, at the dismissal of all other considerations?

I don't like Bruce Davis... and no, I wouldn't want him living next door, to me.
But the fact is... I believe, that Davis has served "the intent" of his sentence.

Did Davis deserve "life with the possibility of parole"?
Probably not.

Did Davis commit other crimes?
Probably yes.

While these questions are certainly interesting... they don’t matter.
We must deal with reality.
The reality, is that Davis was convicted of two murders, and was given the opportunity for parole.

(It goes without saying, that we cannot continue to incarcerate a man for suspected crimes).

It pains me to say this, but I believe releasing Davis, is the right thing to do.
He has served the intent of his sentence, as I personally interpret it.

I'm not sure, that I could sign the release papers myself (LOL), that would be pretty damn tough.  But from a non-biased, detached standpoint, I believe it should be done.

My two cents…

The "Tex Tapes" Revisited.

Lynyrd's Gut Feelings....

 

On October 7th, I listened to the Starcity Radio Program.  Attorney Michael Beckman was interviewed.  Beckman of course, was Bruce Davis' attorney for Davis' recent parole hearing. 

 

Beckman stated (paraphrasing), that Davis' best strategy at this point, is to keep things quiet.  According to Beckman, he advised Davis to refrain from speaking (to anyone) about his recent approval... media, fellow inmates, anyone... and essentially "keep things under wraps".  Good advice!

 

Conversely, Beckman stated (paraphrasing) that Debra Tate's next strategic move (now that Davis has been approved) is to make as much noise via the media, as possible. 

He said that Debra had already begun that effort... effectively bombarding media outlets as much as possible.  Obviously, Debra knows that raising "Manson" consciousness will thwart Davis' chances.

 

Since the new resurgence in media attention to these "Tex Tapes" began... Beckman's words have echoed in my ears.

 

My gut feeling, is that this recent resurgence of media attention to the "Tex Tapes", is directly related to Debra Tate.  I have a strong "gut feeling" that Debra Tate is using these tapes as a tool, to get the "Manson" name (and all that conjures) back into the public psyche.  At this critical time for Davis... that's actually a formidable strategy.  

 

The recent media attention to these tapes... and the potential for 12 new Manson victims in the public eye, can only hurt Davis' parole bid. 

 

Bear in mind... Debra Tate is obviously well-aware, that Davis' release, would likely put Leslie and Bobby closer to the door.  In her mind, this is for all the apples.

 

I say all this, because when you really look at it... there's no new information being released, in regards to these tapes.  We already knew about the tapes.  We already knew the LAPD was interested in them. We already knew the LAPD suspected more murder confessions could be contained therein.  We already knew about the ongoing litigation over possession of these tapes.  There's nothing new here.  It's the same story unresolved...  yet revisited.  Is anyone else (like me) wondering why this story is being revisited, without further information???

 

If the LAPD had been granted full custody of these tapes... THAT would be an update worth publicizing.  If the LAPD was permanently denied custody... THAT would also be an update worth publicizing.  And certainly... if new confessions were (in fact) found on those tapes... THAT would be a groundbreaking update.

 

But think about it... there's nothing new here... and yet, the story is being re-run in the media, without an update.  Ironically... coinciding with all this, is Debra Tate's face all over the news... and Beckman's words ringing in my ears.  It all seems kinda strange to me, and I personally believe, that Debra Tate is the catalyst.  I have no proof... just a "gut feeling"... but my gut rarely lets me down.

 

Don't get me wrong.  The potential for new information on those tapes is certainly an exciting prospect.  I'm not arguing with that concept. I'm looking forward to more TLB information myself.  But, something seems strange here.  Why would the media run an update to an old story, without any updated facts?? 

What do you think????  Am I missing something here?? LOL!

San Francisco police circulated this composite of the Bay Area's "Zodiac" killer, October 21, 1969.   At left is a drawing from witnesses to the slaying of a cab driver in San Francisco.  The amended drawing on the right was based on further questioning of the witnesses.  The suspect is also linked with four other slaying in Napa and Vallejo, Calif. 

Sunset77 Writes:
 
Hi Lynyrd:I think Brian is going to have Howard Davis, author of "The Zodiac-Manson Connection", on his  Star City Radio Show Sunday night (9/3/12).  Howard Davis' book  focuses on the possibility of Bruce Davis being the Zodiac killer.

I've began looking into this and my personal opinion (so far) is that the chances of Bruce Davis being the Zodiac killer are nearly zero.  The police have fingerprints, a palm print, hair DNA and saliva DNA from the Zodiac.  If any of this matched Bruce Davis, I think the connection would have been made by now.  Also, Bruce Davis had long hair during the period of the Zodiac killings.  His hair can be seen, in one of the Hendrickson documentaries.  He doesn't even remotely resemble the bespectacled, crew cut, police sketchers made from eyewitnesses.

Part of a decent series of vids about Zodiac can be found here:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzXXO492Gas

Not all parts are there, I think some have been removed by YouTube. 

I think Bruce Davis has a parole hearing rescheduled for Oct. 4, 2012. 
(Just a few days away).

Also, thanx for the post about Beyond The Valley of the Dolls, I liked the poster you (or someone else) found. 

If I keep going, you may have to change the name of the "Hall of Fame" to "Sunset Boulevard".  (that's only a joke of course).

Cheers!!
Sunset77

Bruce Davis' Parole Hearing is Next Wednesday!

June 13, 2012 10:30 AM

Stay Tuned!

A Letter Bill Nelson wrote to Susan Atkins, the day he left the case, and closed his website.

Nelson tried vehemently to convince law enforcement, that Bruce Davis was the Zodiac killer.  At one time, he also led police out to Barker Ranch to dig for bodies.

The Letter:

Dear Susan Atkins,

I have left the case behind me, no longer interested in the Manson saga of murder, deceptions, deceit, and demonology. My web site was taken down on January 23, 2000. I sold off my vast library. After 11 years, I have reclaimed my life and my wife is thrilled. Sandra Good with her live-in loony St. George (named after the street that intersects at the LaBianca house?) pulled out all the stops to destroy me, defame me, and ruin my reputation.

You and I spent some nine plus hours together. We shared, laughed, and you cried. We called one another "Brother" and "Sister" in a bond of love and respect. I sent you several letters after your husband James decided that we should not see each other. They went unanswered. I understand.

I have sold several copies of your 12-28-00-parole hearing. It was such a disgrace! There were so many lies told by James regarding you. I was saddened to hear him even quote the deceased Patti Tate that you have progressed very well inside prison – but he neglected to add: "And right here is where she should spend the rest of her life!" He said none of the murders were done in an execution style. That is a lie. You should have heard the response of Dianne Lake (a really mature Christian in adult life) upon hearing that one. He bragged that you were never an alcoholic, but your records tell a different story. So did your book. He cited the "family" you had been living with as a proof of stability at the time of the crimes. Did you see the reaction of Stephen Kay at that one? Bragging that you had a stable family relationship i.e. the Manson Family? How insulting indeed. You killed because you were under such stress? Really now. Barbara Hoyt, who knew you well, says you were an evangelist for Manson in the same way that you are now for Jesus. It would take hours to cover all of the deception. You never missed much time from work assignments but then you were on medical disability for many months before the hearing. And…the most egregious action was your turning your back on Janet Parent when she identified herself. To think that James and you worked hard to keep her from voicing her opinion because you did not "actually kill Steven Parent" was quite unchristian. I could go on and on about that dreadful performance at your hearing by a tag team that would make the World Wide Wrestling Federation take lessons.

Remember your telling me the "new rendition" of the crimes? How Tex kicked you out of the Tate house in an argument and you were outside of the house when HE stabbed Sharon to death? Where was that rendition during your last hearing? It was not told because it simply was not true.

I am offended at your use of God while you continue to lie. How refreshing it would be to hear just one of you killers actually tell the truth. Not Bruce Davis, Charles Watson, Leslie, Pat, or you have ever told the full truth. You get three meals a day, medical treatment, dental, psyche, exercise, marriage, and you have done quite well by all of that. When you miss those warm and cuddly conjugal visits with James, think of Doris Tate and me. November 1, 1996 was the change in policy by the CDC. Thank God! It should never have been allowed for people who kill.

Your hearing was so uninteresting that Court TV did not even broadcast it. All of the money they invested, and they chose to take a pass. You see Susan, James was simply a boring, miserable failure. You want to know a little secret? That over weight Commissioner was the same person who voted to give Bruce M. Davis a release last year. That is right. Bruce got a yes vote, and the other two commissioners said that this year, they might agree. Manny left the BPT to become a police chief once again, so he will not be able to spring Bruce free. But! Bruce will walk very soon and he MAY start the killing again. He was involved in the Zodiac murders and I will take that evidence, my findings, and 11 years of research to my grave. When you admitted that you helped to cover up any blood evidence where Shorty was murdered, you gave us something that no one had put together before. You were personally involved with EVERY MURDER prosecuted. Gary Hinman, Tate/LaBianca and Shorty. Wow Susan! That is a really heavy thought. When you took Bugliosi to the back of the ranch by the stream, it was because that is where Shorty was killed. You know what Clem, Bruce, and Manson say? "We were driving down Santa Susanna Pass in the middle of the day when Shorty was hit over the head and they drug him from the car…" Barbara Hoyt submitted a letter refuting that alteration of the court record but the BPT buried her letter in the confidential section of the C-File for Davis. They did not even allow it read into evidence. So much for Perjury prosecutions in the Manson family, because the BPT does not care about TRUTH. These over paid, no nothing bureaucrats do not have a clue and none of you will tell them the truth, not even in the Name of Jesus.

Good bye my friend. I enjoyed our meetings. I never betrayed you following our visits, despite the lying tongue of Linda Mann and that other crazy lady who comes out to tape the hearings. I wish you Christian conviction – the conviction to finally speak up and tell the truth. And Susan, what was that about you being the only one to make restitution to any of the victim’s families financially? Please provide the proof for that one, because it just is not so. You gave nothing financially to Doris, I would be surprised if you gave any to Patti since she would have called it blood money and after all she turned down $50,000 from Guns and Roses. I know you gave nothing to the LaBianca family. It is for certain that you gave nothing to Janet Parent. Shorty has no relatives, and Gary Hinman’s mom and dad have passed away.

As I go - - - - Gypsy let me know in 1993 that she and you had been swimming at the Tate house before the murders, driving up there in the sports car of Dennis Wilson. Bugliosi asked Terry Melcher to confirm it or deny it….Terry told Mr. B. that it was true. I guess you forgot that interesting tidbit when we met for 9 plus hours and in subsequent letters.

Please do not continue to name Jesus as your redeemer when you refuse to tell the truth. You may be Born Again, it is not for me to judge, but you defame the name of Jesus by your misrepresentations. And no, I have no interest in hearing from little James. You traded in Manson for another control freak. The people who have seen the parole hearing tape have observed that. A little, condescending man like Charlie, hurtful, crude and so uninformed.

 

Sincerely,

Bill Nelson

04-24-01

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