Parole Board Rejects Full Release

The Parole Board of Canada determined on Aug. 19 that releasing David Ennis on full parole would pose an undue risk to the public, concluding his risk of committing another offence remains elevated. Ennis, previously known as David Shearing, is currently serving a life sentence for six counts of second-degree murder.

In its written decision, the board emphasized that Ennis’ release would fail to support public safety or facilitate his safe reintegration into the community as a law-abiding citizen. His prospects for successfully returning to society were rated as low, with officials noting he lacked a submitted community strategy, confirmed housing, or employment plans. Although Ennis expressed a desire to reside near his wife—who, alongside two friends, was recognized as a positive support—these factors were insufficient to mitigate safety concerns.

Psychological Assessment Details Risk Factors

A Psychological Risk Assessment conducted in June 2026 revealed that while Ennis claimed he no longer experiences violent sexual fantasies, he continues to report non-violent sexual role-playing fantasies with dominant themes. During evaluations, the convict admitted that he likely would have carried out similar crimes in the future had he not been arrested.

Psychologists evaluated his risk of sexual violence recidivism as low for escorted absences, low-to-medium for unescorted absences, and moderate regarding full parole. However, the report cautioned Ennis that any future sexual offence could cause severe harm or death, warning that his risk will never be fully eliminated.

Details of the 1982 Crime

Ennis was convicted for the August 1982 murders of six family members visiting from West Kelowna. The victims included Bob and Jackie Johnson, their daughters Janet, 13, and Karen, 11, as well as Jackie’s parents, George and Edith Bentley. Ennis stalked the group for days while they were camping at Wells Gray Provincial Park before fatally shooting all four adults at their campsite.

He then held the two young girls captive for several days, sexually assaulting the eldest, before murdering them both. To destroy evidence, Ennis placed all six bodies into the family vehicle and set it on fire. Following a waiver of his right to a hearing in March, the board conducted a legislative review that culminated in this fourth denial of full parole.

New Court Dates Set Following In-Camera Hearing

A new trial date of February 2027 has been scheduled for Const. Ryan Johnston, a Central Saanich Police Service officer facing a sexual assault charge.

Johnston was originally slated to go to trial on Monday, Aug. 24. However, proceedings before Justice Bradford Smith took place mostly in camera while the court and legal counsel addressed an upcoming hearing regarding the admissibility of undisclosed evidence. Justice Smith scheduled an application hearing on the matter for December.

Background and Involvement of Multiple Agencies

The Vancouver Police Department initially announced charges in December 2024 against Johnston and Sgt. Matthew Ball, alleging each officer had a single count of sexual assault. Ball was additionally accused of breach of trust. According to investigators from the Vancouver Police Department, evidence indicated both officers separately engaged in intimate, inappropriate relationships at different times with a vulnerable woman they encountered through their official duties. Ball died by suicide the day after the charges were made public, as reported by other media outlets.

During Monday’s court appearance, legal representatives attended on behalf of Johnston, the Crown, the victim, the Central Saanich Police Service, the Victoria Police Department, and an unnamed female VicPD officer. The reason for VicPD’s legal representation in the proceedings remains unclear.

According to coverage by the Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News, Vernon Morning Star, and Penticton Western News, Johnston was officially charged with one count of sexual assault in 2024.

Former Mayor Criticizes Party’s Shift to Far Right

Randy Hawes announced on social media Monday, Aug. 24, that he has stepped down as president of the Abbotsford-Mission riding association and departed the Conservative Party of B.C. His resignation comes as party leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay seeks to run for the seat. Hawes, a former Mission mayor and BC Liberal MLA, stated that Findlay represents “a huge step to the far right,” adding that her political direction is not what the province needs or wants.

Surprise Resignation of Sitting MLA Prompts Concerns

Hawes had served as riding association president since Gasper was elected, helping recruit new members and fundraise. However, Gasper recently stepped down as MLA to make way for Findlay, taking a new role as Findlay’s deputy chief of staff. Hawes said he received no advance notice of Gasper’s departure, learning about it entirely through news reports and social media. He criticized the move, arguing that an Abbotsford-Mission byelection is an unnecessary expense and suggesting Findlay should have instead asked her husband, Surrey South MLA Brent Chapman, to vacate his seat.

Broader Party Departures and Political Uncertainty

Reflecting on the party’s direction since Findlay became leader in May, Hawes expressed disappointment, noting he had hoped the party would remain centre-right rather than adopting what he described as a “MAGA-style right where you hate people.” He indicated he intends to work against Findlay’s candidacy while hoping a centrist alternative emerges. The departure follows other recent exits within the party, including party president Aisha Estey, vice-president Sharon White, and MLAs Ian Paton and Peter Milobar. In a Tuesday press conference in Vancouver, Findlay acknowledged the instability, telling reporters, “There may even be others that leave our caucus; I don’t know.” The Conservative Party of B.C. was not contacted for comment.