What's Happening?
Shelley Boden and her daughter, Jessica Lehman, are actively campaigning to prevent the release of David Ennis, a convicted murderer responsible for the deaths of six family members in 1982. Ennis, formerly
known as David Shearing, committed the murders while the family was camping near Wells Gray Provincial Park in Clearwater. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with no parole eligibility for 25 years. Despite being denied parole in 2021 due to ongoing concerns about his behavior, Ennis is up for parole again in August 2026. Boden and Lehman have launched a petition on change.org to gather public support against his release, emphasizing the potential danger he poses to society.
Why It's Important?
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the parole process for violent offenders in Canada. The family's efforts underscore the emotional and psychological toll on victims' families, who must repeatedly relive traumatic events to ensure justice is maintained. The petition, which previously garnered over 100,000 signatures, reflects public sentiment on the need for stringent measures against releasing individuals deemed a continued threat. The outcome of this case could influence future parole board decisions and policies regarding the handling of similar cases, impacting public safety and the justice system's approach to rehabilitation and risk assessment.
What's Next?
The family aims to submit the petition by February 1, 2026, ahead of Ennis's parole hearing. They are also encouraging the public to send letters to local MLAs to advocate against his release. The Parole Board's decision will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for handling cases involving violent offenders with a history of psychological issues. The family's campaign may also prompt discussions on legislative changes to parole eligibility and victim support mechanisms.
