David Shearing has applied for parole again.
The former local resident was convicted of murdering six members of the Johnson-Bentley family while they were camping near Wells Gray Park in August 1982.
He killed grandparents George and Edith Bentley, parents Bob and Jackie Johnson, and grandchildren Janet, 13, and Karen, 11.
He was a captured after a lengthy police investigation that included driving a reconstructed version of the Bentley’s camper partway across Canada in a bid to collect tips (the Johnson’s car had been discovered earlier with the bodies in it). However, two forestry workers found the camper near Clearwater – it had never left the area.
In September 1983, Shearing pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to life with no eligibility of parole for 25 years.
In 2008, now using the name Ennis, he applied for parole but was denied.
The parole board at the time cited a number of unresolved issues, including mild indications of psychopathy.
During the hearing he confessed he had shot the four adults to gain sexual access to the two young girls. Several days later he shot the girls as well.
Now 53 years old, he has applied for full and day parole. The hearing will be held Sept. 18 in central Alberta.
