Friday, January 4, 2019

Charles Manson follower, murderer recommended for parole after 18 prior attempts for freedom


Article copied from MSN

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A California parole panel on Thursday recommended for the first time that Charles Manson follower Robert Beausoleil be freed after serving nearly a half-century in prison for murder.

Beausoleil, 71, was not involved in the most notorious killings of actress Sharon Tate and six others by the Manson "family" in 1969. He was convicted in the slaying of musician Gary Hinman that same year.

Hinman was tortured for three days, according to testimony at previous parole hearings, including when Manson cut his face with a sword.

Parole panels ruled against releasing Beausoleil 18 prior times.


California's incoming governor, Gavin Newsom, could block the parole in coming months. Termed-out Gov. Jerry Brown has consistently stopped releases for followers of the cult leader, who died in prison in 2017.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, which has opposed such paroles, did not respond to a request for comment.

Gary Hinman's cousin, Kay Hinman Martley, who attended Thursday's hearing, said Beausoleil was already lucky once when his death sentence in 1970 was reduced to life in prison by an appeals court in 1973.

"I constantly have hope that they'll do the right thing and keep these people in prison, and now my hopes have to go with the governor," she said, adding she plans to reach out to Newsom to tell him "this man does not belong outside the walls of prison."

Beausoleil's attorney, Jason Campbell, said his client is no longer dangerous and that his release "is long overdue."

"He is a very thoughtful, insightful and compassionate person. He's not the person he was in 1969," Campbell said. "He's matured dramatically since then."

He currently resides in the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, which is about 47 miles (76 kilometers) northeast of San Francisco.

Sharon Tate's sister, Debra Tate, who also attended the hearing, said she will mount a social media petition drive so parole opponents can "make their feelings known to Gov.-elect Newsom, because he has a tendency to be very liberal. Without public opinion weighing in on this, there is no hope."

She objected that Beausoleil keeps breaking prison rules by profiting from selling his art and music outside of prison. Beausoleil was an aspiring musician and actor before he joined the Manson family.

Newsom spokesman Nathan Click did not respond to a request for comment.


53 comments:

Donna said...

Once again, wondering why Debra Tate is at this parole hearing.

Peter said...

"He is a very thoughtful, insightful and compassionate person. He's not the person he was in 1969," Campbell said. "He's matured dramatically since then."


"That's exactly why we want to produce this play. To show the world the true Hitler, the Hitler you loved, the Hitler you knew, the Hitler with a song in his heart." - Max Bialystock

kraut_iznota_knotsy said...

I've done a lot of reading at this site and lots of others over the years about this guy

and it's my personal opinion that Beausoleil is one of the few remaining "detainees" who should NOT be released, as opposed to (e.g.) Van Houten.

"spanking pedophile" drawings aside, I get the impression that deep down he's still the same, as well as an institutionalized, manipulative little $#it

and if he could read this and privately get his hands on me
I'd end up in the same condition as Gary Hinman.
I hope the Gov/whoever will block this one
and let Van Houten out instead.

DebS said...

Donna Nelson said...
Once again, wondering why Debra Tate is at this parole hearing.
--------

Debra is a so called victims advocate, she does have a right to be at Bobby's parole hearing in that capacity. Gary's cousin, Kay Martley was there to speak for the Hinman family but Martley has a right to have someone there to hold her hand and lend moral support. Of course, the optics of having a Tate family member at the hearing are priceless in the eyes of the DA's office.

Donna said...

DebS. Bobby had nothing to do with Sharon's murder. In fact, he had nothing to do with the Tate/Labianca murders. Therefore, Debra Tate should stay out of it. Now if Bobby's relative asked Debra to attend the hearing for support, ok. That may well be what happened. If this is where it stopped, ok. But Ms Tate is also starting a perition to block parile with the governor. Once again, my opinion is that she is a troubled and attention seeking person who has to insert herself in matters that do not pertain to her.

Donna said...

It is difficult to have sympathy for Debra Tate based on her inconsistent statements and attention seeking over the years. Apparently her own family had issues with her too, I am sure the lying and attention seeking were already a part of her personality prior ti Sharob's murder.

ColScott said...

Orca Tate wants attention for herself and no one else. She provided so little for her only daughter that she became a human graffiti wall. Bobby will not be released not because of kraut's inane and uninformed opinions but because of the first three words in the headline.

Hasten to note that the last few hearings were FIVE year delays iirc (Deb?) so this is a stunning reversal.

In 2002 he cited a job offer from me in his release proceedings. I hope he is not expecting it.

Funny, was in Joshua Tree for new years and saw Ken Anger and his "minder", counter culture groupie/wannabe Brian Butler. I pointed out that the GREAT Podcast "You must remember this" was doing a long series debunking Ken's BULLSHIT books Hollywood Babylon 1 and 2. Ken was nonplussed but then being 91 and still a liar must be frustrating.


Ken's BULLSHIT about Bobby was a great way to dine out on the misery of a former lover.

Some of the people in this case still lingering are welcome to GTFO anytime.

Oh yeah and a Joshua Tree journalist told me Tom O'Neill was FER REALS publishing his book (20 years in the making) this year. Cue Karate Dave school stories!

Peter said...

Like a Manson Family "page six" if this was the New York Post.

DebS said...

For ColScott, from the California State Inmate Locator website-

Inmate Board Actions

Inmate Name BEAUSOLEIL, ROBERT KENNETH
CDCR Number B28302
Parole Eligible Date (Month/Year) 09/1973

Past Board Actions

Date Action Outcome
January 03, 2019 Parole Suitability Hearing Inmate was granted parole

April 20, 2018 Inmate Petition to Advance The inmate’s petition to advance his or her next parole suitability hearing date was approved

October 30, 2017 Administrative Review The administrative review to advance the inmate’s next parole suitability hearing date was denied

October 13, 2016 Parole Suitability Hearing Inmate was denied parole for 3 years

April 07, 2016 Parole Suitability Hearing Parole suitability hearing was postponed

September 21, 2015 Parole Suitability Hearing Parole suitability hearing was postponed

June 25, 2015 Parole Suitability Hearing Parole suitability hearing was postponed

February 19, 2015 Parole Suitability Hearing Parole suitability hearing was postponed

August 14, 2014 Inmate Petition to Advance The inmate’s petition to advance his or her next parole suitability hearing date was approved

December 13, 2010 Parole Suitability Hearing Inmate was denied parole for 5 years

December 22, 2008 Parole Suitability Hearing Inmate was denied parole for 5 years

December 07, 2005 Parole Suitability Hearing Inmate was denied parole for 3 years

June 23, 2005 Parole Suitability Hearing Parole suitability hearing was postponed

June 11, 2003 Parole Suitability Hearing Inmate was denied parole for 2 years

May 11, 2000 Parole Suitability Hearing Inmate was denied parole for 3 years

October 24, 1997 Parole Suitability Hearing Inmate was denied parole for 2 years

March 21, 1997 Parole Suitability Hearing Parole suitability hearing was postponed

March 16, 1995 Parole Suitability Hearing Inmate was denied parole for 2 years

September 01, 1994 Parole Suitability Hearing Parole suitability hearing was postponed

June 03, 1992 Parole Suitability Hearing Inmate was denied parole for 2 years

May 02, 1990 Parole Suitability Hearing Inmate was denied parole for 2 years

January 24, 1990 Parole Suitability Hearing Parole suitability hearing was postponed

December 01, 1988 Parole Suitability Hearing Parole suitability hearing was postponed

December 09, 1987 Parole Suitability Hearing Inmate was denied parole for 1 year

December 02, 1986 Parole Suitability Hearing Inmate was denied parole for 1 year

December 04, 1985 Parole Suitability Hearing Inmate was denied parole for 1 year

December 13, 1984 Parole Suitability Hearing Inmate was denied parole for 1 year

October 27, 1983 Parole Suitability Hearing Inmate was denied parole for 1 year

September 16, 1982 Parole Suitability Hearing Inmate was denied parole for 1 year

Doug said...

In a "Six Degrees of Charles Manson" kinda way...the very day that "Cupid/Bummer Bob (depending on who you believe) is paroled, LOVE "Revisited" featuring guitarist Johnny Echols (also in pre-LOVE Grass Roots line-up that occasionally included Bobby) play in San Francisco (near Anger's former home in fact) with the reunited SEEDS whose Sky Saxon appeared, uncredited, in the same Hollywood Babylon film as Bobby, Jay and half of Topanga's freak scene...someone posted a photo somewhere of Echols, Daryl Hooper (Seeds keys) and David LaFlamme at the show on FB. LaFlamme of course, formed The Electric Chamber Orchestra in San Francisco with some kid who had arrived from LA after a short stint with the newly reconstituted LOVE. That kid just got paroled. On the day this photo was taken...

One wonders if Clem showed up to shred with Johnny.

Small world.

Colonel - did you go to Pappy and Harriets? Hoping to record at Rancho Dr la Luna next fall. Hopefully do a show at P&H

Cheers

Unknown said...

Beuseleil is long over due for parole, and his employment will be forthcoming. Stop referring to him that ridiculous nickname given to him by Bruce Davis

Orwhut said...

O.T.
Caroline Harte Murder
I ran across the linked youtube presentation, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ji43LS7IK4&app=desktop&persist_app=1 .
In the first case, the narrator says people associated with Charles Manson were interviewed during the investigation. The murder took place on Mustang Island, Texas. Does anyone know who the Manson associates were?

Peter said...

We need to think up a better nickname. What's a good name for somebody who tortures and murders a friend in cold blood? And then spends 50 years blaming that friend by making up excuses that the friend was a drug dealer or gay? How about asshole? Or maybe scumbag?

Peter said...

"Scumbag Bob." I like it.

starviego said...

Orwhut said...
"Caroline Harte Murder
... Does anyone know who the Manson associates were?"

No idea. Very little info on this available on the web.

Orwhut said...

Starviego,
Thanks. If someone who reads this blog doesn't know, I can't imagine how the presenter came across the information.

AstroCreep said...

Col is right- dude will never get out of prison because of the association to Manson and the family. Never gonna happen. It’ll draw national attention and at some point, I wonder how ‘normal’ a life he’d be able to lead based on the national attention that he’ll be thrust into.

On Cielo Drive’s Instagram account, he’s recently posted a lot of news clippings and articles from back then and something stands out to me and relates to this post- in EVERY article, Manson and his followers are referred to as a “cult” and “cult leader”.

The reason that’s pertinent to this post is that it’s what LINKS them all together. Over the years we’ve referred to the Family less as a “cult” and sanitized the whole “cult” aspect.

If a Hells Angel stabs a kid, it doesn’t matter that it was Hells Angel Timmy, or Chad, or Brad- all Hells Angels are lumped together because of AFFILIATION.

Zelda Formaldehyde said...

Color me surprised. Bobby has changed his story too much over the years .... and that alone gets no parole sympathy from me. New to the hot seat, Gavin won't take the political chance and let him go .... he seems like a chip off the Moonbeam-block with better hair. I'm open-minded all the way on Leslie and Bruce, but not Bobby. He's constantly looked for ways to invent a blame-sharing program for Gary's death.

Dani_P said...

Personal opinions aside, I don't understand the whole parole system or having a parole board if the Governor can just block it. I would've thought that there would be a limit on how many times a Governor can veto the parole board's decision, but it doesn't seem that is so? You would think the Governor would have to at least speak to the prisoner or have certain guidelines but that doesn't seem so either? They can just deny as many times as they want and cite whatever reason they feel like? Is this common? Does this mostly happen in high profile cases? Are there any restrictions or limits? I'm just genuinely curious and trying to understand how the system works?

DebS said...

Orwhut said...
O.T.
Caroline Harte Murder
I ran across the linked youtube presentation, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ji43LS7IK4&app=desktop&persist_app=1 .
In the first case, the narrator says people associated with Charles Manson were interviewed during the investigation. The murder took place on Mustang Island, Texas. Does anyone know who the Manson associates were?

starviego said...
Orwhut said...
"Caroline Harte Murder
... Does anyone know who the Manson associates were?"

No idea. Very little info on this available on the web.
------

I was able to find an article in the McAllen TX Monitor July 25 2009 that mentions Manson, "Even potential ties to the Charles Manson murders were investigated, but tossed aside" An abbreviated version of the article is on a CBS news website

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-teens-slay-unsolved-40-years-later/

My guess is that the person on the Youtube stumbled across the 2009 article and beefed it up a little for his presentation.

I have an old article on Tex, Longview Morning Journal December 5 1969, where, at the end of the article it says, " Collin County Dist. Atty. Tom Ryan said Watson still is a suspect in the knife slaying of Anita Hernandez, 26, who was killed about Sept. 1 in southwest Collin County."

"She was stabbed 33 times. Ryan was trying to find whether Watson was home from California at the time."

The times of the two Texas murders were within a week of each other so it would stand to reason that it was probably Tex who was being considered in the Harte murder.



Smill said...

I’m with the Col on this one. Bobby won’t get out.... until he’s in a body bag. The new governor is fairly young. He doesn’t want to ruin his political career by releasing a Manson associate. I’m actually surprised the parole board even found him suitable for parole. He doesn’t have a great prison record. He’s been caught breaking rules and then arrogantly defending himself about it. He has lied continuously about numerous things. I just can’t muster much sympathy for him.

David said...

There are at least some small references that might hint at health issues.

Orwhut said...

Deb,
Thanks! Tex is the only family member, I can think of, who spent much time in Texas.

Gorodish said...

DebS wrote :

" Collin County Dist. Atty. Tom Ryan said Watson still is a suspect in the knife slaying of Anita Hernandez, 26, who was killed about Sept. 1 in southwest Collin County."
"She was stabbed 33 times. Ryan was trying to find whether Watson was home from California at the time."


33 stab wounds....certainly Tex's modus operandi. However he was most likely in Death Valley at the beginning of September 1969. Interesting they were looking at him though.

Gorodish said...

David wrote :

There are at least some small references that might hint at health issues.

I have a feeling you may be right. I also suspect health issues. He certainly hasn't been the poster child for rehabilitation in the past, so there most likely is another reason they are granting him parole.

ColScott said...

you mean like the compassionate parole they offered Sadie? You know, while she had her fucking leg cut off in prison?

DebS said...

There's a big difference between Susan and Bobby. Susan participated in and was convicted of six murders, Bobby one murder. And California has the Elderly Parole Program now that wasn't happening when Susan was seeking compassionate parole. I don't think that Bobby should or will get out regardless though.

Manson must have cost the prison and the state a fortune in the last year of his life.

ColScott said...

There is a difference EXCEPT FOR THE FIRST THREE WORDS


I am telling you three words is all some people can read. Like "Build the wall" or "Rub that grave"

Unknown said...

Hello everyone. I'm new here. My view is that we should have faith in the law. We may not like the results but otherwise we'll be all over the place when it comes to justice.

Unknown said...

Sorry folks. I'm having difficulty setting up my ID. Milly.

Unknown said...

My point is that the legal criteria must have been met.

Sime's World said...

As with all the imprisoned - I cannot see anyone in officialdom signing off the release. Given the politics involved, the attitude would be (surely?) "What's the point?" I imagine if there were 50 other murderers on the list for parole, I imagine Bobby's name would come (always) last.

One quote of Bobby's "You better pray I never get out!" will exist to haunt him. Just for accuracy's sake - he did say that? Yes?

Patty is Dead said...

Troll

DebS said...

Sime's World said...

One quote of Bobby's "You better pray I never get out!" will exist to haunt him. Just for accuracy's sake - he did say that? Yes?

------

Yes, Bobby was brought from San Quentin to the trial of Gypsy and three others to testify for the defense, February 1973, in the penalty phase of the Hawthorn Shootout trial.

He told the jury, "I am at war with everyone in this courtroom except four people (the defendants). It's nothing personal. But society has been grabbing up my brothers and eating them. You better pray I don't get out."

Independent Press Telegram Feb. 24, 1973.

Gorodish said...

Similar Bobby Beausoleil bravado from 1970, courtesy of Ed Sanders "The Family" :

June 14th
I saw Robert Beausoleil in the New County Jail on Sunday night, with jury selection for Manson, Krenwinkel, Van Houten, and Atkins set to begin the next morning. He was feeling in a macho mood. "There's no man outside!", he complained. "Bruce, he isn't together. If I got free, I'd do anything to get Charlie out. If I had to shoot every badge from the outside to the inside, I would, to get him out. Anything." And then he made the following startling assertion: "You know all those girls out at the ranch ?" I nodded, yes. "They're my mother". And the desert ? "That's going to be our kingdom", he said, referring to Death Valley. Again, I nodded.

Yep, sounded real independent of Charlie, didn't he ? I wonder what happened to the Straight Satans mescaline ripoff fiasco ?

AstroCreep said...

Col, I’m out in LA recording an album for a few more weeks if you wanna go crime scene sightseeing together :)

AstroCreep said...

I plan to (in all my free time) at least drive up Cielo Drive just to say I’ve been up there- and prob snag a burrito at El Coyote

Monica said...

I have to agree with one of the Unknowns above. While our politicians can be wildly irreverant about the law, I cannot put up a good legal debate to keep him in. The horrendous murder angle...yes, but that is subjective when compared to all the other criminals getting out for less. Will he ave a massive benefit on society out? Probably not. Is Bob a perverted, manipulative toolshed? Yes. Does he repeatedly lie about motive? Yes. Do I want him out? I couldn't
care less about his puny ass. But are those enough reasons to keep him in? No.

Unknown said...

I don't believe the new Governor will let him out. I also believe that Bobby is a master manipulator. He comes across as very charming. I used to get e-mails from him occasionally- he knew to sidestep anything related to Manson etc. Most of the e-mails I get now are self promotion of his music.

iamthewalrus said...

I hope you are right, Unknown he should never be out. You have to wonder if Barbara's daughter, Rachel will welcome Old Bobby in to her family. She always posted pics of them with Bobby during prison visits but no bars and guards may be a different matter. She has a daughter to think about and the old spanking hang up may be a problem. Would they have Bobby slinging drinks in their brewery?? The whole town may not like the idea of having a murderer introduced into their little town. Bobby just looks like an evil creep, can't wait to see if he ends up at their house... he said it himself "You better hope I never get out"

Milly James said...

Thank you Monica. You put it so well. This leads us into Dani's comment i.e. the calibre and expertise of the Panel. If they make a decision that is "wrong" then perhaps the system needs to be reviewed rather than cases being looked at on an individual basis. Milly.

Milly James said...

Given Sime's comment: Is there actually a quota for parolees? Do they compete for merit? In that 'Bobby would be the bottom of the list'? Genuine question.

ColScott said...

Milly- Dickens wrote that the "Law is a Ass" Dickens was smart. The Law is run by men and men are morons

Patty- why do you shout out the name of your lost love?

Astro- you do know that the El Coyote last meal story remains most likely an urban legend

AstroCreep said...

I think that people here are complaining about parole based on very flawed logic-

The sentence was life, yes? With elegibility for parole. Just because gang banger 123 gets out in 12 years does mean that everyone who commits murder should get out in 12 years.

Sounds to me like there are people here who want a murderer set free out of fairness because other murderers get out earlier.

Monica said...

Astrocreep said,
"Sounds to me like there are people here who want a murderer set free out of fairness because other murderers get out earlier."

Yes,that is exactly what I'm saying, as long as he meets all other criteria for parole. It is called Legal Precedent.

Milly James said...

I agree the law can often be an ass. However what's the alternatve? I'd love to live under anarchy but given that a certain percentage of the population are idiots it would never work: the mob mentality that results in a Consultant Paediatrician set upon in the apparently genuine belief she's a paedophile...

Matthew said...

Dani_P said...

Personal opinions aside, I don't understand the whole parole system or having a parole board if the Governor can just block it. I would've thought that there would be a limit on how many times a Governor can veto the parole board's decision, but it doesn't seem that is so? You would think the Governor would have to at least speak to the prisoner or have certain guidelines but that doesn't seem so either? They can just deny as many times as they want and cite whatever reason they feel like? Is this common? Does this mostly happen in high profile cases? Are there any restrictions or limits? I'm just genuinely curious and trying to understand how the system works?

This is such a good question but I haven't seen an answer. I was trying to find answers and really can't. It doesn't seem right that the governor can veto the parole board indefinitely. Also, if Bobby fits the criteria for release then he should be released no matter the notoriety of the crime. I hate what he put Gary through and to someone he called a friend but that shouldn't matter legally. I know there is a lawyer among the inner circle of this blog group that may be able to answer this question. Maybe Peter? Or David?

Milly James said...

Yes, Matthew. I'd be intetested too. This discussion is reminding me of the debate surrounding the release of the Lockerbie bomber. Having been tried and sentenced under Scottish law he was released having contracted a terminal illness. This was in accordance with the law of the land in which he was sentenced. As someone who had previously taken that Pan Am flight on a Sunday evening, I felt the shudders. Was it a legally correct decision - Yes. He went to die in the dustbowl, moral void which engendered him. I'm still examining my feelings on the matter. But ultimately, who am I in the scheme of things? The role of the law is surely above 'hot blood' or knee jerk reactions?

Patty is Dead said...

Entry level troll

AstroCreep said...

Monica said- “Yes,that is exactly what I'm saying, as long as he meets all other criteria for parole. It is called Legal Precedent“

See, flawed logic. If legal precedent is that most murderers get paroled after X number of years then why are their “life sentences” and “death sentences” at all?

By your logic, anyone eligible for parole should be released based on when other inmates were released. That’s not the way our legal system works.

Sime's World said...

I sense that given Leslie's and Bruce's continual rejections by the governor and that their subsequent objections have fallen on stony ground, the options (if any) are limited, if any. While I really should do more research on this, but can a Supreme Court overrule a governor? I think Leslie's team have already tried this without success. If this is the case, what hope has Bobby?

Milly James said...

I honestly can't see how Monica's logic is flawed.

Robert C said...

When I think about how much it costs to incarcerate these people it makes me cringe. I would have dumped them out long ago, following 'legal precedent', with lots of **conditions** to hopefully make them stay clean and out of the limelight. Preferably they'd follow scramble-head's road. Manson himself was the only one who rightfully ran out of jail-free conditions and perished in the slammer although I'm afraid to see the bill to the taxpayers.