Story highlights A California parole board grants parole to Bruce Davis, who'd been sentenced to life

An associate of Charles Manson, Davis was convicted of murder in a pair of killings

A governor reversed a board's decision to grant Davis parole twice before

Bruce Davis -- a former associate of Charles Manson and a convicted murderer himself -- was granted parole Wednesday in California, the state Department of Corrections said, though that doesn't mean he'll necessarily become a free man.

Davis was sent to state prison on April 21, 1972, for the first-degree murders of musician Gary Hinman and stuntman Donald "Shorty" Shea in 1969. He was given a life sentence.

The corrections department's Board of Parole Hearings granted parole for the 71-year-old Davis following his 28th parole suitability hearing on Wednesday.

But the board's decision is not the end of the case. There's a 120-day internal review period. When that's done, Gov. Jerry Brown will have 30 days more to nullify or modify the decision -- meaning that, if everything goes his way, Davis could still be looking at another four months behind bars.

In fact, there's precedent for him not to be released. Twice, Davis has gotten an initial victory only to have his hopes of getting out dashed.

Photos: Charles Manson: The infamous inmate Photos: Charles Manson: The infamous inmate This image of infamous inmate Charles Manson was issued in August 2017. Manson, the cult leader whose followers committed heinous murders almost a half century ago, died Sunday , November 19, of natural causes, according to the California Department of Corrections. He was 83. Hide Caption 1 of 9 Photos: Charles Manson: The infamous inmate This image of Manson was taken in 2011. He served nine life terms in California prisons and was denied parole 12 times. Hide Caption 2 of 9 Photos: Charles Manson: The infamous inmate In this 2009 prison photo, Manson is seen without his trademark long hair. Hide Caption 3 of 9 Photos: Charles Manson: The infamous inmate Manson is seen slightly disheveled in this 2006 prison photo. Hide Caption 4 of 9 Photos: Charles Manson: The infamous inmate Manson is pictured in a prison photo from 2002. Hide Caption 5 of 9 Photos: Charles Manson: The infamous inmate Manson in a 1996 prison photo. Hide Caption 6 of 9 Photos: Charles Manson: The infamous inmate Manson smirks at the camera in this 1978 photo. Hide Caption 7 of 9 Photos: Charles Manson: The infamous inmate In this 1970 photo, Manson is seen with a swastika tattoo on his forehead. Hide Caption 8 of 9 Photos: Charles Manson: The infamous inmate This 1969 mugshot shows Manson soon after the murder of actress Sharon Tate. Hide Caption 9 of 9

In January 2010 and October 2012, the parole board granted him parole. In the second case, the board explained it made such a recommendation because of Davis' "positive adjustment, record of no recent disciplinary problems, and for successfully completing academic and vocational education and self-help programs."

Both times, the sitting governors -- first Arnold Schwarzenegger and later Brown -- reversed that decision.

"When considered as a whole, I find the evidence ... shows why he currently poses a danger to society if released from prison," Brown wrote in 2013 to explain his reversal

If this time proves different, Davis would become the first Manson "family" member to be freed solely for good behavior.

The group's gruesome killings inspired the best-selling book "Helter Skelter" and made their undisputed ringleader Manson a cult figure.

The 1969 spree ensnared several victims, including 8-months-pregnant actress Sharon Tate.