Mass murderer Charles Manson denied parole for 12th time

(CBS/AP) CORCORAN, Calif. - A California prison panel has denied parole to Charles Manson in his 12th bid for freedom. 

Pictures: The Manson Family murders

Wednesday's hearing at Corcoran State Prison could be the last one for the aging mass murderer. Under current law, inmates can be denied the chance to reapply for parole for up to 15 years. Manson could be 92 before he gets another opportunity to make his case.

Now a gray-bearded 77-year-old, Manson did not attend the hearing, which may have been his final chance to ask for freedom.

"At this age, I think he doesn't care," said Deputy District Attorney Patrick Sequeira, who was expected to argue Wednesday against Manson's release. "He would be lost if he got out. He's completely institutionalized."

Manson orchestrated a series of gruesome murders on consecutive nights in Los Angeles 40 years ago. His trial with three women acolytes was an international spectacle.

Manson and his followers were convicted in the 1969 slaying of actress Sharon Tate and four others.

Manson has not appeared at a parole hearing since 1997. His most recent hearing was in 2007.

Complete coverage of Charles Manson on Crimesider