EP 4B: Update to Keep David Shearing in Prison

[00:00:00] - [Cassie]
Welcome back to mishaps and mysteries. I'm your host, Cassie.

[00:00:05] - [Nina]
And I'm your host, Nina.

[00:00:08] - [Cassie]
Our podcast explores stories of misadventures in the wild landscapes of British Columbia, Canada. Before we dive into today's update, please note that this episode covers extremely heavy topics, including violence involving minors, severe physical abuse, and loss of life. Please take care of yourself while listening. Today, we are returning to a case we covered back in episodes three and four, one of the most brutal mass murders in British Columbia's history. If you want the deep dive, we'd encourage you to go back and listen to those episodes.

[00:00:49] - [Cassie]
In August 1982, David Shearing, who now goes by David Ennis, abducted and murdered six members of the Johnson and Bentley families while they were camping near Wells Gray Provincial Park. He took the lives of grandparents George and Edith Bentley, their daughter Jackie, her husband Bob, and their two young daughters, 11 year old Karen and 13 year old Janet, whom he subjected to horrific physical abuse and torture before ending the girls' lives. In 1984, he pleaded guilty to six counts of second degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for twenty five years.

[00:01:36] - [Nina]
Now forty four years after those tragic events, we have a critical update. In late August twenty twenty six, the Parole Board of Canada officially denied David Ennis full parole once again. The board ruled that his risk of reoffending remains far too high, that he failed to present a viable release plan, and that his release would pose an undue risk to public safety. This decision marks his fourth and formal full parole denial or his fifth denial overall when including day parole decisions. Under Canada's Corrections and Conditional Release Act, following a denial for a violent offence of this nature, the parole board schedules the next review within five years.

[00:02:26] - [Nina]
Because this decision was issued in August 2026, his next formal parole review will not take place until August 2031 at the earliest.

[00:02:37] - [Cassie]
This outcome brings a crucial sense of relief to the surviving loved ones and the entire community. But that outcome doesn't happen without immense effort. We want to take a moment to specifically acknowledge and thank Tammy Arishnikov. Tammy has been a tireless advocate for the victims' families for decades, leading the change.org petition, gathering tens of thousands of signatures, and ensuring the public's voice is heard loud and clear at every parole review. Her relentless commitment to keeping David Sheering locked away has played an invaluable role in keeping these communities safe and ensuring justice remains served.

[00:03:19] - [Nina]
Advocates like Tammy show just how powerful community support can be when people stand together for victims and their families. Thank you to everyone listening who has signed petitions and helped support this cause over the years.

[00:03:34] - [Cassie]
Thanks for joining us for this update. Definitely a relief for everyone. You can reach out to us at info@mishapsandmysteries.ca. If you enjoy this podcast and haven't yet subscribed, please do so. Also, we would love it if you would leave us a rating and a review.

[00:03:54] - [Cassie]
It really helps new people find us. Be safe and never stop exploring.