What do you think?
Rate this book
Murder Times Six: The True Story of the Wells Gray Park Murders
It was a crime unlike anything seen in British Columbia. The horror of the "Wells Gray Murders" almost forty years ago transcends decades.
On August 2, 1982, three generations of a family set out on a camping trip - Bob and Jackie Johnson, their two daughters, Janet, 13 and Karen, 11, and Jackie's parents, George and Edith Bentley. A month later, the Johnson family car was found off a mountainside logging road near Wells Gray Park completely burned out. In the back seat were the incinerated remains of four adults, and in the trunk were the two girls.
But this was not just your average mass murder. It was much worse. Over time, some brutal details were revealed; however, most are still only known to the murderer, David Ennis (formerly Shearing). His crimes had far-reaching impacts on the family, community, and country. It still does today. Every time Shearing attempts freedom from the parole board, the grief is triggered as everyone is forced to relive the horrors once again.
Murder Times Six shines a spotlight on the crime that captured the attention of a nation, recounts the narrative of a complex police investigation, and discusses whether a convicted mass murderer should ever be allowed to leave the confines of an institution. Most importantly, it tells the story of one family forever changed.
On August 2, 1982, three generations of a family set out on a camping trip - Bob and Jackie Johnson, their two daughters, Janet, 13 and Karen, 11, and Jackie's parents, George and Edith Bentley. A month later, the Johnson family car was found off a mountainside logging road near Wells Gray Park completely burned out. In the back seat were the incinerated remains of four adults, and in the trunk were the two girls.
But this was not just your average mass murder. It was much worse. Over time, some brutal details were revealed; however, most are still only known to the murderer, David Ennis (formerly Shearing). His crimes had far-reaching impacts on the family, community, and country. It still does today. Every time Shearing attempts freedom from the parole board, the grief is triggered as everyone is forced to relive the horrors once again.
Murder Times Six shines a spotlight on the crime that captured the attention of a nation, recounts the narrative of a complex police investigation, and discusses whether a convicted mass murderer should ever be allowed to leave the confines of an institution. Most importantly, it tells the story of one family forever changed.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2020
11 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Alan R. Warren
58 books53 followersALAN R. WARREN is the Host of the Popular True Crime History Radio show 'House of Mystery' Heard in the NBC news talk radio network on KCAA 106.5 F.M. Los Angeles/Riverside/Palm Springs http://www.houseofmysteryradio.com/
Al Warren has his Doctorate in Religious Studies (DD), Masters Degree ( MM) in Music from the University of Washington in Seattle, Bachelor of Arts (BA ) Criminology from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, B.C. Canada and Recording & Sound Engineering Diploma from the Juno Award Winning Bullfrog Studios in Vancouver B.C. Canada. He got his start on Digital Radio for the Z Talk Radio Network and still produces several shows for them.
Al Started Writing for Articles in True Case Files Magazine and is still a Contributor and Serial Killer magazine. Since then he has completed 12 true crime books for two different publishers ( RJ Parker/Vronksy Publishing in Toronto, Canada & WildBlue Press in America)
His bestsellers include 'Above Suspicion' The True Story of Colonel Russell Williams, 'Blood Thirst' the true story of the Vampire Killer of Canada, 'Deadly Betrayal' the true story of Jennifer Pan , 'Last Man Standing' the true story of Jack McCullough, the man that was put away for the oldest unsolved murder case in America, and has since then been released as he did not do the crime. You can read more about him on his website.
A Special Note from the author...
"On Tuesday, April 2, this past Autism Awareness Day 2019, I decided to let my fans of both radio and writing that I myself am autistic. The struggle for me to speak the words that I could only read has taken many years of work and practice in order to fool broadcasters into hiring me for radio. Even then I kept is secret as I worked to allow the writer in my mind to be able to get those words on paper. I dedicate all of my public works to any others out there struggling with the same challenge that I have, as well as any obstacles you might have in accomplishing your dreams."
- Alan R Warren
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 14, 2021
A haunting tale of senseless murder.
I just finished reading “Murder Times Six” and was it ever a gripping read. Alan R. Warren brings to life the tragic true story of the “Wells Gray Murders,” which ended the lives of three generations of one family, in one horrendous night. Warren does an impressive job of telling the story through the eyes of the surviving family members, law enforcement and the killer himself. If you’re a fan of true crime this book is not to be missed.
I just finished reading “Murder Times Six” and was it ever a gripping read. Alan R. Warren brings to life the tragic true story of the “Wells Gray Murders,” which ended the lives of three generations of one family, in one horrendous night. Warren does an impressive job of telling the story through the eyes of the surviving family members, law enforcement and the killer himself. If you’re a fan of true crime this book is not to be missed.
November 4, 2020
A Horrific And Tragic End To Three Generations.
Murder times six is an extremely professionally researched and written book by Alan R. Warren.
A killing of three generations in Wells Gray Park in Canada was extremely horrific and for the surviving family a nightmare that would last forever as they hear the news unfold of how horrifically the family suffered when they were killed at the hands of David Shearing. The Savage brutality in which David Shearing shot the grandparents and parents whilst sitting chatting and laughing by the camp fire, after putting Janet and Karen to bed, The girls should have laughed and chatted about their day and where probably dreaming of the fish they caught and the things they planned on doing the next day with there mum, dad and grandparents.
The terror and horror Janet and Karen must have felt when they woke to the screams and gunshots from there family. David then went on and terrorised both girls as he raped and murdered the girls who were Young happy innocent children for his sick depraved fantasies.
I was horrified to hear that David could get married in prison, spend 72 hours in a home at the prison with conjugal rights and is also eligible for parole due to Canadian law of 25 years for raping, killing, burning 3 generations of one family..
The families and friends of his victims have a life sentence and will never get over the murders. David should have no rights and should never be released from prison. Why should the family now have to go every two years to try and keep this beast behind bars that I am sure will repeat the crime again if released, My heart goes out to all of the people who new the Johnson and Bentley family’s haven't they suffered enough??.
Murder times six is an extremely professionally researched and written book by Alan R. Warren.
A killing of three generations in Wells Gray Park in Canada was extremely horrific and for the surviving family a nightmare that would last forever as they hear the news unfold of how horrifically the family suffered when they were killed at the hands of David Shearing. The Savage brutality in which David Shearing shot the grandparents and parents whilst sitting chatting and laughing by the camp fire, after putting Janet and Karen to bed, The girls should have laughed and chatted about their day and where probably dreaming of the fish they caught and the things they planned on doing the next day with there mum, dad and grandparents.
The terror and horror Janet and Karen must have felt when they woke to the screams and gunshots from there family. David then went on and terrorised both girls as he raped and murdered the girls who were Young happy innocent children for his sick depraved fantasies.
I was horrified to hear that David could get married in prison, spend 72 hours in a home at the prison with conjugal rights and is also eligible for parole due to Canadian law of 25 years for raping, killing, burning 3 generations of one family..
The families and friends of his victims have a life sentence and will never get over the murders. David should have no rights and should never be released from prison. Why should the family now have to go every two years to try and keep this beast behind bars that I am sure will repeat the crime again if released, My heart goes out to all of the people who new the Johnson and Bentley family’s haven't they suffered enough??.
November 3, 2020
I love this book. It is a must have for any true crime lovers. I have recommended this book to so many people since I started it. The Wells Grey murders are in all of our heads, especially when driving through the park.
October 27, 2020
Excellent Book! Great details and never before information!
March 22, 2022
Poorly written.
June 6, 2021
One thing stands between fiction and non-fiction. Reality. As a novelist, I’ve written stories about killers and their victims but those characters live only in my imagination. The killers and victims in Warren’s books are real and that raises the stakes considerably. These are not simply characters, but traumatized people whose lives and futures were snuffed out and whose surviving families must live on with that knowledge.
These are people who Warren personally interviews and that impresses me. I know it takes sympathy and understanding to talk with victims affected by crime. Alan Warren jokes that his autism allows him to be poker-faced and unemotional in meetings with killers and the victims’ surviving family and friends, but his altruism and compassion shine through in what he chooses to reveal in his books, what he chooses to omit, and how he approaches each word.
Murder Times Six: the True Story of the Wells Gray Park Murders is a book about “justice.” The question Warren continues to return to is this: should David Shearing, confessed murderer of six, be allowed parole? Shearing has applied for parole before and can do so again in 2021. Warren asks: “Do we want people who commit such violent crimes, like murder and rape, out in free society? Would you want him living next door to you?” This book presents the case against Shearing. Why should he be allowed to live a “normal” life with the wife he married while incarcerated when his victims’ lives were snuffed out for one selfish reason? Shearing wanted two young girls he’d noticed in the bush and become obsessed with. This is a “story of a family trying to live and enjoy their lives.” It’s not a story intended to glamorize David Shearing. You will not find graphic details here. This is a book that honours the victims and survivors.
In August 1982, three generations of a Kelowna family went camping at Wells Gray Provincial Park in British Columbia — Bob and Jackie Johnson and their daughters, thirteen-year-old Janet and eleven-year-old Karen, along with Jackie’s parents George and Edith Bentley. None of them ever returned. Many people know that their charred bodies were discovered later — the remains of four adults piled into the back seat and the two young girls (sisters) in the trunk.
Forty years later, Warren interviewed David Shearing at Bowden Institution, a medium-security prison in Alberta. He also interviewed Shearing’s wife, Heather. One thing I appreciate about Warren’s book is the detailed research he’s done into subjects such as hybristophilia: an intense love and sexual attraction for a man who’s committed heinous crimes. This “potentially lethal disorder” is more common than we think and there are several prison dating sites that enable it. Warren also explains the Canadian prison and parole system and discusses pedophilia and cutting-edge “treatments” as this topic relates to Shearing’s motives for murdering this family.
The book is divided into three parts. First, the story of the family, their excitement about going camping together, their disappearance and gruesome discovery, and finally Shearing. Next, police interviews with Shearing, his changing stories and confession, subsequent trial, and incarceration. And finally, tributes to the family and victim impact statements that will break your heart.
Warren documents a long list of references — everything from parole hearing reports to the genetic predisposition of humans to kill each other — but what makes this book are the personal words and touches along with Warren’s own insights into Shearing and the people he destroyed. The city of Kelowna continues to mourn the loss of this family — three generations gone because one man wanted two young girls who’d not even set foot in high school. He wanted them and he took them.
Alan R. Warren is a host and producer of NBC news talk radio show House of Mystery which reviews True Crime, History, Science, Religion, and Paranormal Mysteries. He is also the best-selling author of several True Crime books and can be found at www.alanrwarren.com
In an age where murder is sensationalized through television drama, the reality of a real cold-blooded “murder times six” by a ruthless and selfish killer, begs to be heard and acknowledged. Warren does important work and I applaud his dedication to sensitively bring justice to the victims of violent crimes.
*As published in the Ottawa Review of Books June 2021
Murder Times Six is published by Evening Sky Publishing.
W. L. Hawkin writes the Hollystone Mysteries — bluehavenpress.com
These are people who Warren personally interviews and that impresses me. I know it takes sympathy and understanding to talk with victims affected by crime. Alan Warren jokes that his autism allows him to be poker-faced and unemotional in meetings with killers and the victims’ surviving family and friends, but his altruism and compassion shine through in what he chooses to reveal in his books, what he chooses to omit, and how he approaches each word.
Murder Times Six: the True Story of the Wells Gray Park Murders is a book about “justice.” The question Warren continues to return to is this: should David Shearing, confessed murderer of six, be allowed parole? Shearing has applied for parole before and can do so again in 2021. Warren asks: “Do we want people who commit such violent crimes, like murder and rape, out in free society? Would you want him living next door to you?” This book presents the case against Shearing. Why should he be allowed to live a “normal” life with the wife he married while incarcerated when his victims’ lives were snuffed out for one selfish reason? Shearing wanted two young girls he’d noticed in the bush and become obsessed with. This is a “story of a family trying to live and enjoy their lives.” It’s not a story intended to glamorize David Shearing. You will not find graphic details here. This is a book that honours the victims and survivors.
In August 1982, three generations of a Kelowna family went camping at Wells Gray Provincial Park in British Columbia — Bob and Jackie Johnson and their daughters, thirteen-year-old Janet and eleven-year-old Karen, along with Jackie’s parents George and Edith Bentley. None of them ever returned. Many people know that their charred bodies were discovered later — the remains of four adults piled into the back seat and the two young girls (sisters) in the trunk.
Forty years later, Warren interviewed David Shearing at Bowden Institution, a medium-security prison in Alberta. He also interviewed Shearing’s wife, Heather. One thing I appreciate about Warren’s book is the detailed research he’s done into subjects such as hybristophilia: an intense love and sexual attraction for a man who’s committed heinous crimes. This “potentially lethal disorder” is more common than we think and there are several prison dating sites that enable it. Warren also explains the Canadian prison and parole system and discusses pedophilia and cutting-edge “treatments” as this topic relates to Shearing’s motives for murdering this family.
The book is divided into three parts. First, the story of the family, their excitement about going camping together, their disappearance and gruesome discovery, and finally Shearing. Next, police interviews with Shearing, his changing stories and confession, subsequent trial, and incarceration. And finally, tributes to the family and victim impact statements that will break your heart.
Warren documents a long list of references — everything from parole hearing reports to the genetic predisposition of humans to kill each other — but what makes this book are the personal words and touches along with Warren’s own insights into Shearing and the people he destroyed. The city of Kelowna continues to mourn the loss of this family — three generations gone because one man wanted two young girls who’d not even set foot in high school. He wanted them and he took them.
Alan R. Warren is a host and producer of NBC news talk radio show House of Mystery which reviews True Crime, History, Science, Religion, and Paranormal Mysteries. He is also the best-selling author of several True Crime books and can be found at www.alanrwarren.com
In an age where murder is sensationalized through television drama, the reality of a real cold-blooded “murder times six” by a ruthless and selfish killer, begs to be heard and acknowledged. Warren does important work and I applaud his dedication to sensitively bring justice to the victims of violent crimes.
*As published in the Ottawa Review of Books June 2021
Murder Times Six is published by Evening Sky Publishing.
W. L. Hawkin writes the Hollystone Mysteries — bluehavenpress.com
February 24, 2023
This story tells about the murder of three generations of a family in Wells Gray Park in Canada in the 1980s. It is well-researched and written engagingly. However, no words can whitewash the horrific murders of a pair of grandparents, parents, and two girls while camping. David Shearing shot the four adults because he wanted the two girls. The girls had slept in their tent while the adults were chatting around the campfire.
When apprehended, David admitted to the killings (but the police knew he kept something back). For the six murders, David was sentenced to six concurrent terms of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for 25 years. After he admitted he was guilty in court (and nothing more could be done to him), David admitted to the horrific details of the girl's last days. He did not kill the girls immediately but took them away and kept them alive for several days. During that time, he raped and then murdered the girls. They were eleven and thirteen years old.
To hide his crimes, David incinerated the six bodies in one car. When the vehicle was found, the bodies had been cremated. There was only enough matter left to fill one baby's coffin. Once David learned how vehemently British Columbians hated him, he changed his last name to his mother's Ennis.
Then, this true crime book takes an unusual turn. David was only twenty-four at the time of the murders. This book highlights the Canadian prison system and some of its quirks. David was able to marry while in prison. He also has the right to conjugal visits of 72 hours (in a prison home). In 2008, David was first eligible for parole. When the Johnsons and Bentleys' community discovered the possibility of parole, they gathered together and got about 10,000 signatures to protest it.
Unfortunately, the victim's families must undergo a parole hearing every two years. So they come in force and give poignant victim statements to the Parole Board. One thing the author highlights (and readers rarely consider) is that the younger family members were victims too. Their parents were too afraid to allow them outside alone; they'd spent their lives afraid.
There is a previous book, THE SEVENTH SHADOW. It was written by the (now retired) Mounted Police Sgt. Michael Eastham. In that book, Eastham outlined the difficulties (using tracking dogs, helicopters, and an extensive workforce) the police had in capturing David Shearing. MURDER TIMES SIX summarizes Eastham's information and then moves on.
This book (as well as Eastham's) emphasizes that David Shearing Ennis should never be released. Eastham stated he was sure that if David were released, he would kill again.
When apprehended, David admitted to the killings (but the police knew he kept something back). For the six murders, David was sentenced to six concurrent terms of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for 25 years. After he admitted he was guilty in court (and nothing more could be done to him), David admitted to the horrific details of the girl's last days. He did not kill the girls immediately but took them away and kept them alive for several days. During that time, he raped and then murdered the girls. They were eleven and thirteen years old.
To hide his crimes, David incinerated the six bodies in one car. When the vehicle was found, the bodies had been cremated. There was only enough matter left to fill one baby's coffin. Once David learned how vehemently British Columbians hated him, he changed his last name to his mother's Ennis.
Then, this true crime book takes an unusual turn. David was only twenty-four at the time of the murders. This book highlights the Canadian prison system and some of its quirks. David was able to marry while in prison. He also has the right to conjugal visits of 72 hours (in a prison home). In 2008, David was first eligible for parole. When the Johnsons and Bentleys' community discovered the possibility of parole, they gathered together and got about 10,000 signatures to protest it.
Unfortunately, the victim's families must undergo a parole hearing every two years. So they come in force and give poignant victim statements to the Parole Board. One thing the author highlights (and readers rarely consider) is that the younger family members were victims too. Their parents were too afraid to allow them outside alone; they'd spent their lives afraid.
There is a previous book, THE SEVENTH SHADOW. It was written by the (now retired) Mounted Police Sgt. Michael Eastham. In that book, Eastham outlined the difficulties (using tracking dogs, helicopters, and an extensive workforce) the police had in capturing David Shearing. MURDER TIMES SIX summarizes Eastham's information and then moves on.
This book (as well as Eastham's) emphasizes that David Shearing Ennis should never be released. Eastham stated he was sure that if David were released, he would kill again.
January 23, 2022
Murder Times Six: The True Story of the Wells Gray Park Murders
by Alan R. Warren
Review for Creative Edge Publicity.
A reality check in every chapter. The book looks at a sensational murder in Canada of a family of six. The Bentley and Johnson family were violently murdered in their camping site of the Wells Gray Park in 1982. The 15 month investigation was a long time for the community to not know what happened. The affects of this day, recurrently reminds the small town of the tragedy. Admitted and confessed killer David (Ennis) Shearing is in jail, but the affects of his crime are not. After 25 years he is up for parole. Every two years, the friends and family of the victims of this crime have to stand up and face this killer. If the criminal system is to rehabilitate the criminals that are tried and convicted what do we do with serial killers, rapist, and pedophiles. Is the community safe and protected by the legal procedures, does the parole system set to protect the community. This book gives the public a look into the system in explicated detail bringing to bear legal procedures, investigation procedures, and and prison procedures in Canada. Highlighting the needs in each area for open and honest reviews of opinions, and options to see the reality of the legal system.
by Alan R. Warren
Review for Creative Edge Publicity.
A reality check in every chapter. The book looks at a sensational murder in Canada of a family of six. The Bentley and Johnson family were violently murdered in their camping site of the Wells Gray Park in 1982. The 15 month investigation was a long time for the community to not know what happened. The affects of this day, recurrently reminds the small town of the tragedy. Admitted and confessed killer David (Ennis) Shearing is in jail, but the affects of his crime are not. After 25 years he is up for parole. Every two years, the friends and family of the victims of this crime have to stand up and face this killer. If the criminal system is to rehabilitate the criminals that are tried and convicted what do we do with serial killers, rapist, and pedophiles. Is the community safe and protected by the legal procedures, does the parole system set to protect the community. This book gives the public a look into the system in explicated detail bringing to bear legal procedures, investigation procedures, and and prison procedures in Canada. Highlighting the needs in each area for open and honest reviews of opinions, and options to see the reality of the legal system.
September 2, 2021
Alan R. Warren tells the true story of the horrendous 1982 murders of three generations of a family — six victims in all — in a remote British Columbia park where they were camping. The crime included the sexual assaults of sisters ages 13 and 11 and the burning of all the bodies. Warren’s research is extensive, including contemporary interviews of law enforcement, the convicted murderer and surviving friends and family members. The supplemental material in the back of the book is impressive. For example, a “victim impact statement” written by a classmate of the older child 30 years after the murders is particularly touching. Warren’s writing style is more like that of a talk-show host, which he is, than that of a typical true-crime author, but I can’t complain. Several months ago, Alan invited this first-time true-crime author to appear on his “House of Mystery” radio show, for which I’m very grateful.
March 15, 2025
This book read like a middle school report. Writing was very simplistic. The first half of the book was ok - going over the crime and the capture of the murderer. The second half felt very random with chapters having related but odd topics. One of these chapters was about women who marry incarcerated men. The tone of this chapter was very out of place with the rest of the book - very emotionally charged, condescending and even angry at times. It was so off-putting that I didn’t even want to finish the book afterwards but did so since I had already read most of the book at this point.
Overall, a disappointing read. Picked up this book after listening to a podcast covering the crime. The podcast was much better.
Overall, a disappointing read. Picked up this book after listening to a podcast covering the crime. The podcast was much better.
April 5, 2025
This was a increbly heart breaking read. I didn't know the victims but I'm very close with their family, who are some of the most incredible kind-hearted, lovely people I know.
I obviously knew this story, but reading this and hearing how it unfolded to the best of the knowledge out there as so much is still only known to David Ennis.
i can only imagine what the family endure at time at the hand of this sick individual. It makes me queezy and they have to relive over every time he's up for parol to get signatures and to give victims statements at his hearing to help keep him behind bars.
This family will not be able to put this behind them until David Ennis is dead.
I obviously knew this story, but reading this and hearing how it unfolded to the best of the knowledge out there as so much is still only known to David Ennis.
i can only imagine what the family endure at time at the hand of this sick individual. It makes me queezy and they have to relive over every time he's up for parol to get signatures and to give victims statements at his hearing to help keep him behind bars.
This family will not be able to put this behind them until David Ennis is dead.
Read
July 21, 2021 I read this book and was hesitant because living in Kelowna we know the tragic events and the anguish by the family every time Shearing applies for parole. I could not put the book down. you dealt with the tragedy early in the book and gave the reader the insight in the RCMP lengthy and thorough investigations and then let us learn about the criminal system in the US and Canada. so well written.
August 4, 2025
This was a disappointing read. The writing is quite simple and basically regurgitates news reports with very little additional insight. The actual story of the event only takes up approximately half of the book. Then are are miscellaneous chapters about other mildly related topics like forensic optography and parole in Canada. All in all - I'm glad it was a sunny day and I had a few beverages to drink. That kind of offset the letdown of this book.
January 4, 2026
After reading this story I listen to a pod cast and heard that family s of the victims have to go back every two years and retell and listen to the horror and see the man who killed there family members . Ever two years to keep him in jail
March 30, 2025
The detailed accounts provide a chilling and realistic portrayal of the events.
January 8, 2021
A gripping tragic true story that shook Canada back in the early 1980's. The author details the tragic events and the police investigation that followed.
September 29, 2022
I had never heard of this case before but it was quite interesting to hear the perspective of what happened from the victim’s families and not be made about the killer so much
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews