Panel recommends parole for Charles Manson follower

A California parole board on Thursday recommended parole for Bruce Davis, one of Charles Manson's followers and a convicted killer.

Davis, 69, is serving a life sentence for the 1969 first-degree murders of music teacher Gary Hinman and stuntman Donald "Shorty" Shea.

The board's decision was due to his "positive adjustment, record of no recent disciplinary problems, and for successfully completing academic and vocational education and self-help programs," according to a statement from the body.

Two years ago, a California panel granted parole to Davis, but it was overturned by then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, officials said.

In Davis' last parole hearing, in 2010, the board said that Davis had not been disciplined since 1980 and participated in all available education, vocation and self-help programs.

Davis is one of several imprisoned followers of Manson, 77, who is serving a life sentence for nine murders. Manson led his "family" in a deadly spree in 1969, whose victims included eight-months-pregnant actress Sharon Tate. Manson was denied parole for the 12th time in March.

Manson, whose gruesome killings inspired the best-selling book "Helter Skelter," will be up for parole again 15 years from now, when he would be 92.