B.C. Mass Murderer Remains Behind Bars as Parole Board Cites Elevated Reoffending Risk

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.