Charles Manson cult follower Robert Beausoleil set for parole hearing
Appeals by the former musician have been turned down on 17 previous occasions
![](https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2015/02/19/16/Robert-Beausoleil.jpg)
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
![Louise Thomas](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/louise-thomas.png)
Louise Thomas
Editor
Officials in California are expected to today consider parole for a follower of cult leader Charles Manson who has spent 45 years in prison. Robert Beausoleil has seen his requests turned down on 17 previous occasions.
Beausoleil, now aged 67, originally was sentenced to death for the 1969 slaying of musician Gary Hinman, but it was commuted to life in prison when the California Supreme Court ruled the death penalty unconstitutional in 1972.
If parole officials recommend his release, the decision will be reviewed by the entire parole board. The state’s governor Jerry Brown could also block his parole, the Associated Press reported.
In August, Mr Brown blocked the release of Bruce Davis, 72, who was convicted in the slayings of Hinman and stuntman Donald "Shorty" Shea. The parole board had found that Davis was suitable for parole based on his age and good conduct in prison.
Beausoleil was an aspiring musician and actor before he joined the Manson family. He was in jail when other Manson followers killed actress Sharon Tate and four others, then murdered grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments