Canadian correctional officials are searching for a federal inmate after he was discovered missing during a routine headcount at a minimum-security prison in British Columbia.
According to Correctional Service Canada (CSC), staff at William Head Institution in Metchosin realized shortly after the noon inmate count on June 28 that Ernest Egon Jensen could not be located within the facility.
The disappearance immediately triggered emergency procedures.
Police Notified as Search Effort Begins
Following the discovery, CSC promptly alerted the Westshore Detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which has since joined the effort to locate the missing offender.
Correctional officials said they have provided investigators with all available information to assist in locating and apprehending Jensen as quickly as possible.
Authorities Release Physical Description of Missing Offender
Police and correctional authorities have released identifying details to help members of the public recognize the missing inmate.
Jensen is 69 years old, stands approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, and weighs about 228 pounds.
He has a fair complexion, brown eyes, is bald, and has a noticeable scar on his forehead. Authorities also noted that he is missing three fingers on his left hand, making him easily identifiable.
Serving Life Sentence for Second-Degree Murder
Jensen has been serving a life sentence for second-degree murder since March 20, 1991.
In addition to the murder conviction, correctional records indicate he has previously served sentences related to break-and-enter offences and trespassing.
Public Asked to Report Any Sightings
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about Jensen’s whereabouts to contact police immediately.
Correctional Service Canada said it is conducting an internal investigation to determine how the inmate went missing while continuing to work closely with the RCMP throughout the search.
Officials emphasized that locating Jensen remains the top priority as authorities continue their efforts to return him to custody.
