Allan Legere dies at 78 while serving life sentence
Allan Legere, known as the ‘Monster of the Miramichi’, died at the age of 78 while serving a life sentence at the Edmonton Institution in Alberta. Legere’s criminal history includes the brutal murder of five individuals during the 1980s, a period that left a lasting scar on the community of Miramichi, New Brunswick.
Legere’s notoriety stems from a series of heinous crimes, including rape, arson, and murder, which he committed over several years. His killing spree culminated in his conviction on four counts of first-degree murder in November 1991. He was declared a dangerous offender, which allowed for his permanent incarceration, reflecting the severity of his actions and the threat he posed to society.
One of the most shocking events in Legere’s criminal career was his escape from prison on May 3, 1989, while being escorted for a medical appointment. This escape led to a 201-day manhunt, during which he murdered Father James Smith shortly after his escape. His violent actions during this period included the murders of Annie Flam and the Daughney sisters, further solidifying his reputation as a dangerous criminal.
Legere’s crimes left the Miramichi community in fear, and his eventual capture was met with relief. Frank McKenna, a former premier of New Brunswick, expressed that there would be a collective sigh of relief across the region with Legere’s passing, stating, “I think I can say with some certainty that there’ll be a sigh of relief in the Miramichi and all across New Brunswick that this monster has finally left us.”
Despite being incarcerated, Legere’s influence on the community remained palpable. André Veniot, a former police officer involved in the case, remarked, “I had made a promise to myself a few years ago that I would never talk again about Allan Legere unless he died.” This sentiment reflects the deep scars left by Legere’s actions and the lasting impact on those who lived through the terror he inflicted.
Legere was denied parole multiple times, including a recent decision in December 2022, with the Parole Board of Canada stating that he still presented an “undue risk to society” if released. His life sentence, which began on January 22, 1987, was a testament to the severity of his crimes and the ongoing concern for public safety.
The Correctional Service of Canada has announced that it will review the circumstances surrounding Legere’s death. As details remain unconfirmed, the community reflects on the legacy of a man whose actions forever changed the lives of many in New Brunswick.