Search underway for convicted killer believed to have escaped from Vancouver Island prison

Search underway for convicted killer believed to have escaped from Vancouver Island prison

Police say Ernest Jensen is 'dangerous,' serving a life sentence for 2nd-degree murder

A search is underway for a convicted killer police describe as "dangerous," and who is believed to have escaped from a Vancouver Island prison.

In a media release, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) said staff members discovered Ernest Egon Jensen, 69, was missing from the William Head Institution during a headcount at noon on Sunday.

William Head is a minimum security federal prison in Metchosin, B.C., about 27 kilometres southwest of Victoria.

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Jensen has been serving a life sentence for second-degree murder since 1991, and has also served time for break and enter and trespassing.

The West Shore RCMP says it has deployed "extensive patrols" as it searches for Jensen, who is wanted on a warrant for being unlawfully at large.

"You will see a heavy police presence in the area near William Head Institution as police officers continue their search outside the facility and William Head staff continue a comprehensive search inside their institution grounds," RCMP said in a media release.

"West Shore RCMP Police Dog Services has also attended the scene and RCMP Air Services has been called out as well to conduct air patrols."

Police say anyone who sees Jensen is urged not to approach him, and to call 911 immediately.

Anyone with information that could help the search is asked to contact Westshore RCMP at 250-474-2264.

Martin Payne's sister, daughter speak after Payne's killer sentenced

This is not the first time in recent years an inmate has escaped from William Head.

In July 2019, James Lee Busch and Zachary Armitage fled the facility by walking around a fence at low tide.

The duo killed Martin Payne, a 60-year-old man who lived about eight kilometres from the facility.

The pair were arrested two days after their escape, and later convicted of first-degree murder in Payne's killing.