Robert Beausoleil, a notorious follower of Charles Manson and convicted murderer, has been denied parole for the 19th time, ensuring he remains incarcerated for the brutal 1969 killing of musician Gary Hinman.
The 78-year-old was found guilty of murdering Hinman on July 26, 1969, a crime prosecutors say involved three days of torture at his Topanga Canyon home before Beausoleil fatally stabbed him. Testimony from previous hearings revealed Charles Manson himself slashed Hinman’s face with a sword during the ordeal.
This killing is widely considered to have initiated the Manson family’s infamous wave of violence. Beausoleil was initially sentenced to death, but his punishment was reduced to life in prison after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down existing death penalty laws. He was convicted only in the Hinman killing.
California parole officials refused Beausoleil’s release for another three years, continuing a protracted legal battle. Governor Gavin Newsom has twice overturned parole grants for Beausoleil, in 2019 and 2025, maintaining a precedent set by his predecessor, Jerry Brown, who also routinely blocked the release of Manson family members.
Gary Hinman’s cousin, Kay Hinman Martley, expressed relief at the decision.
“I constantly have hope that they’ll do the right thing and keep these people in prison,” she stated, adding her intent to urge Governor Newsom to uphold the denial, asserting “this man does not belong outside the walls of prison.” Sharon Tate’s sister, Debra Tate, also attended the hearing, vowing to campaign against Beausoleil’s release and criticizing him for allegedly profiting from artwork and music created while imprisoned.
Conversely, Beausoleil’s attorney, Jason Campbell, argued his client no longer poses a threat after more than five decades behind bars. “He is a very thoughtful, insightful and compassionate person,” Campbell said. “He’s not the person he was in 1969. He’s matured dramatically since then.”
Beausoleil is currently serving his sentence at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville.
