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William Head Inmate Found Dead on Shoreline Near Prison

Officials announced a joint investigation to examine how he left the minimum-security facility and the cause of his death.

William Head Institution is shown through a security fence in Victoria, B.C., on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008. Inmate Ernest Jensen escaped the prison on June 28, 2026 and his body was found on June 29, 2026 in the ocean off the prison's shoreline. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Lam
Correctional Service of Canada says the body of inmate Ernest Jensen was found in the waters near William Head Institution.
Ernest Jensen was found dead after going missing from William Head Institution on Sunday.

Overview

  • The body of 69-year-old Ernest Egon Jensen was recovered from the Salish Sea near William Head Institution on Monday, June 29, 2026.
  • Correctional Service Canada reported Jensen was absent from the institution’s midday inmate count at 12:49 p.m., which prompted a search and public safety warnings.
  • West Shore RCMP led an extensive search using ground, marine, air and K‑9 units, and RCMP West Coast Marine Services and the Metchosin Fire Department recovered and helped confirm the identification at the shoreline.
  • Correctional Service Canada says Jensen had been serving a life sentence for second-degree murder since March 20, 1991, and had prior convictions, which led police to warn the public he was considered dangerous.
  • West Shore RCMP, Correctional Service Canada and the BC Coroner’s Service have opened a joint investigation into the circumstances of his absence and death and have scheduled further briefings.