Mass murderer forgoes parole hearing

The mass murder who mercilessly wiped out a West Kelowna family more than 30 years ago will remain behind bars for at least the next two years.

David Ennis, formerly known as David Shearing, shot to death six members of the Bentley-Johnson family in an ambush attack in August 1982. He was set to go before the parole board in September, but has now waived his right to a full parole hearing, which automatically happens every two years. Ennis had also applied for day parole, but according to Gary Sears at the Parole Board of Canada, Ennis also withdrew that application.

Previous parole applications by Ennis have been fiercely opposed by relatives and friends of the Bentley-Johnson family, and all have been rejected by the parole board.

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WATCH: Petition to keep killer David Shearing locked up

Tammy Arishenkoff spearheaded a petition protesting Shearing’s bid for parole and started a facebook page called “Justice for Johnson-Bentley families.”

She posted this on the page after hearing the news:

“Got the call this morning and David Ennis (Shearing) has waived his right to a full parole review as well as withdrawn his application for day parole! Considering he hasn’t even seen our impact statements yet, this is a testament to the power of the people. THANK YOU to everyone who signed a petition, got signatures, sent in a letter and supported us. With hope, our legislation will change and we will not have to do this for another 5 – 7 years.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Got the call this morning and David Ennis (Shearing) has waived his right to a full parole review as well as withdrawn his application for day parole! Considering he hasn't even seen our impact statements yet, this is a testament to the power of the people. THANK YOU to everyone who signed a petition, got signatures, sent in a letter and supported us. With hope, our legislation will change and we will not have to do this for another 5 - 7 years."