Allan Legere dies at 78 while serving life sentence
Allan Legere, known as the ‘Monster of the Miramichi,’ has died at the age of 78 while serving a life sentence at the Edmonton Institution in Alberta. His death was confirmed by Correctional Service Canada, although the cause remains undisclosed.
Legere’s criminal history is marked by a notorious escape from prison in May 1989, during which he was a fugitive for 201 days. In that time, he committed four murders across three separate attacks, including the brutal killings of Annie Flam, the Daughney sisters, and Father James Smith. His violent spree began just 25 days after his escape, when Flam was killed, followed by the murders of the Daughney sisters five months later, and Smith just five weeks after that.
In November 1991, Legere was convicted on four counts of first-degree murder and was subsequently declared a dangerous offender, which allowed for his permanent incarceration. He had previously been serving a life sentence for the 1986 beating death of John Glendenning. His designation as a dangerous offender indicated that he was considered an ongoing threat to society.
Legere was denied full parole in late 2025, with the Parole Board of Canada stating that he still presented an ‘undue risk to society’ if released. This decision reflected the lasting impact of his crimes on the community and the fears that lingered long after his conviction.
In 2015, Legere was transferred to the Edmonton Institution from a super-maximum security penitentiary in Quebec. His presence in the prison system continued to evoke strong emotions among those affected by his past actions. Paddy Quinn, a community member, remarked, “His passing marks the end of a dark chapter in our community and one those of us of a certain generation remember all too well.”
Rick Maclean, another local resident, noted the lingering fear surrounding Legere, stating, “There are an astonishing number of people who have remained afraid to even mention his name. So the sense of relief is going to be very real in the community.” Such sentiments highlight the profound impact Legere’s actions had on the lives of many.
The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has indicated that they will review the circumstances surrounding Legere’s death. Details remain unconfirmed, but his passing is expected to bring a sense of closure to those who lived in fear during his criminal reign.