Charles Manson denied parole for 12th time

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SACRAMENTO, April 11 (UPI) -- A California parole board Wednesday denied Charles Manson, mastermind of one of the most infamous killing sprees in U.S. history, parole for a 12th time.

The board said Manson would not be eligible for reconsideration until 2027, CNN reported. He is now 77 and almost certain to die behind bars.

Manson was convicted in 1971 of a series of murders in the Los Angeles area and sentenced to death. The victims included actress Sharon Tate, the pregnant wife of director Roman Polanski.

At Wednesday's hearing, John Peck, commissioner of the board of parole hearings, read from a statement Manson made to a psychologist in November: "I am special. I am not like the average inmate. I have put five people in the grave. I've been in prison most of my life. I'm a very dangerous man."

Peck said Manson has shown no remorse during his four decades in prison, has never participated in self-help programs or presented any plans for his release.

Manson did not attend the hearing at the state prison in Corcoran.

Before the hearing, Manson attorney DeJon Lewis told CNN: "Charles Manson does not need incarceration at this point in his life. He needs hospitalization."

Manson has violated several rules since his last parole hearing five years ago, including being found in possession of a cellphone and a weapon, and threatening a law enforcement officer.

The killings were carried out by Manson and a cult-like group called The Family living on an old movie ranch. Vincent Bugliosi, who prosecuted the case, described the group's history and its members, in a book, "Helter Skelter."

Manson's death sentence was commuted to life in prison after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned all existing death penalty laws in 1972.