Stoddard Online : Continued from part four. . . .
As I explained at the onset of this story, there would be elements that are not nice to talk about. It is necessary, in abbreviated form, you be made aware of these revelations in order that you fully understand the chain of events and the gravity of the situation. You will also begin to see the motion of the wheels, as the Quebec government machine picks up momentum from a dead stop, to full speed ahead, in it's quest to satisfy the American administration .
It is a requirement of law in Canada that when a human being has met death unexpectedly as a result of suspicious causes, an inquiry under the aupices of a coroner must take place. This inquiry, usually in the form of a formal inquest, is necessary to confirm identity of the body, and as well, establish cause of death if possible. As well, valuable evidence may be garnered by the authorities from an inquest, that will aid law enforcement agencies charged with the pending investigation.
The discovery on June 15, 1953, of what would be established as the remains of Eugene Lindsey, would trigger such an inquiry. It would also trigger the commencement of the sleaziest form of judicial manipulation imaginable in a murder case. Without doubt, the beginning of the end, is now imminent for Wilbert Coffin.
Sgt. Henri Doyon, head of the Gaspe' detachment of the Quebec Provincial Police had done his job well. Through the efforts of his search parties, they had accomplished what they set out to do. They were zeroing in on the fate of the American hunters, with the discovery of what would be determined as being Eugene Lindsey's remains.
The Quebec provincial pathologist, Dr. Jean Marie Roussell, was summoned to Gaspe' and was immediately taken to the location of Mr. Lindsey's remains, in order to view the body, and the surrounding area, to effect the investigation. The scene was not a pretty one. The head, as well as the lower leg bones were missing. The remains consisted chiefly of bones, with only fragments of clothing. It was obvious that bears had ravaged and eaten the flesh. Positive identification would be difficult at face value.
At this point Clarence Claar, the father of Fred Claar, the young man who was travelling on the hunting trip with the Lindsey's, informed Sgt. Doyon that Eugene Lindsey's remains could be identified by his long finger nails. Dr. Roussell confirmed the existence of long fingernails, and thus, it was now announced that the body of Eugene Lindsey had been located. He would later state that more scientific methods were employed, however, those scientific methods were never revealed, leading many to believe they never existed.
Nearby, a fully loaded rifle with the safety mechanism still in the "on" position was found. A startling find, yes it was, however, the rifle would not positively identify the remains as that of Eugene Lindsey. There is no doubt in my mind however, that the remains were that of Mr. Lindsey. I merely point this out as a means of displaying to the reader, the value that assumptions would play upon a jury. This would be the first of many throughout this case.
As the search for answers continued, while combing the area, searchers found a wallet, void of currency. This wallet contained identification belonging to Eugene Lindsey. Again, as with the rifle found earlier, though the find was valuable, it still lacked that element which could positively identify the remains as those of Eugene Lindsey.
Upon scrutiny by Dr. Roussell, a bit of what would be identified as scalp and hair were found on the telescoptic sight of the rifle. Additionally, on the ground under the rifle would be found other physical evidence pointing to Mr. Lindsey as the victim, however, the question that begs an answer is, "was the hair, skin, and what was described as dried blood, ever subjected to laboratory testing for a comparison to Mr. Lindsey's physical and chemical makeup? I simply cannot answer that question for certain, however, there is nothing indicating that such a test was done..
There is evidence to suggest that personal observations played heavily in much of Dr. Roussell's report. As I stated earlier, the identification, based on the long finger nail theory in the absence of scientific proof, indeed lends credence to this suggestion, especially considering that Dr. Roussell never did identify what the "further scientific tests consisted of."
To pinpoint an exact cause of death would be impossible based on evidence at the crime scene. The crime scene did however, point to the fact that Eugene Lindsey's life, most probably met a particularly brutal and gruesome conclusion. Had he been violently beaten to death with his own rifle, as suggested by the physical evidence on the telecsope? Had he been shot in the head? Had he been attacked from behind by a large bear? The answers to these questions cannot be answered from evidence at the crime scene. One can deduce the bear theory is probably not accurate. This is based on the fact that the rifle was found some distance from the body, and bore the marks of physical evidence that most probably came from his remains. That leaves the first two questions to ponder. As the head was missing from the torso, positive answers to these questions arenext to impossible.
Upon conclusion of a cursory inspection of the surrounding area, the remains as identified as those of Eugene Lindsey were packed into a cardboard box and transported to Gaspe'. The pressure was now on. The Pennsylvania authorities were officially informed that Eugene Lindsey had indeed been found dead of very suspicious causes, and that Richard Lindsey, and Fred Claar were still missing and unaccounted for. Tension would mount very quickly between the USA and Canadian governments.
Premier Maurice Duplessis now had problems that could not simply be fixed on the strength of a telephone call. His orders were swift and absolute. This matter must be brought to conclusion immediately, and by whatever means necessary. The tempo in the town of Gaspe', was about to pick up. . . .
The next part of the story will detail the discovery of the bodies of Richard Lindsey and Fred Claar, as well as the inquests, and the seizing of control. Wilbert Coffin will be taken into custody and charged with murder. . .
Lew Stoddard
Posted to site, June 20. 2006
As I explained at the onset of this story, there would be elements that are not nice to talk about. It is necessary, in abbreviated form, you be made aware of these revelations in order that you fully understand the chain of events and the gravity of the situation. You will also begin to see the motion of the wheels, as the Quebec government machine picks up momentum from a dead stop, to full speed ahead, in it's quest to satisfy the American administration .
It is a requirement of law in Canada that when a human being has met death unexpectedly as a result of suspicious causes, an inquiry under the aupices of a coroner must take place. This inquiry, usually in the form of a formal inquest, is necessary to confirm identity of the body, and as well, establish cause of death if possible. As well, valuable evidence may be garnered by the authorities from an inquest, that will aid law enforcement agencies charged with the pending investigation.
The discovery on June 15, 1953, of what would be established as the remains of Eugene Lindsey, would trigger such an inquiry. It would also trigger the commencement of the sleaziest form of judicial manipulation imaginable in a murder case. Without doubt, the beginning of the end, is now imminent for Wilbert Coffin.
Sgt. Henri Doyon, head of the Gaspe' detachment of the Quebec Provincial Police had done his job well. Through the efforts of his search parties, they had accomplished what they set out to do. They were zeroing in on the fate of the American hunters, with the discovery of what would be determined as being Eugene Lindsey's remains.
The Quebec provincial pathologist, Dr. Jean Marie Roussell, was summoned to Gaspe' and was immediately taken to the location of Mr. Lindsey's remains, in order to view the body, and the surrounding area, to effect the investigation. The scene was not a pretty one. The head, as well as the lower leg bones were missing. The remains consisted chiefly of bones, with only fragments of clothing. It was obvious that bears had ravaged and eaten the flesh. Positive identification would be difficult at face value.
At this point Clarence Claar, the father of Fred Claar, the young man who was travelling on the hunting trip with the Lindsey's, informed Sgt. Doyon that Eugene Lindsey's remains could be identified by his long finger nails. Dr. Roussell confirmed the existence of long fingernails, and thus, it was now announced that the body of Eugene Lindsey had been located. He would later state that more scientific methods were employed, however, those scientific methods were never revealed, leading many to believe they never existed.
Nearby, a fully loaded rifle with the safety mechanism still in the "on" position was found. A startling find, yes it was, however, the rifle would not positively identify the remains as that of Eugene Lindsey. There is no doubt in my mind however, that the remains were that of Mr. Lindsey. I merely point this out as a means of displaying to the reader, the value that assumptions would play upon a jury. This would be the first of many throughout this case.
As the search for answers continued, while combing the area, searchers found a wallet, void of currency. This wallet contained identification belonging to Eugene Lindsey. Again, as with the rifle found earlier, though the find was valuable, it still lacked that element which could positively identify the remains as those of Eugene Lindsey.
Upon scrutiny by Dr. Roussell, a bit of what would be identified as scalp and hair were found on the telescoptic sight of the rifle. Additionally, on the ground under the rifle would be found other physical evidence pointing to Mr. Lindsey as the victim, however, the question that begs an answer is, "was the hair, skin, and what was described as dried blood, ever subjected to laboratory testing for a comparison to Mr. Lindsey's physical and chemical makeup? I simply cannot answer that question for certain, however, there is nothing indicating that such a test was done..
There is evidence to suggest that personal observations played heavily in much of Dr. Roussell's report. As I stated earlier, the identification, based on the long finger nail theory in the absence of scientific proof, indeed lends credence to this suggestion, especially considering that Dr. Roussell never did identify what the "further scientific tests consisted of."
To pinpoint an exact cause of death would be impossible based on evidence at the crime scene. The crime scene did however, point to the fact that Eugene Lindsey's life, most probably met a particularly brutal and gruesome conclusion. Had he been violently beaten to death with his own rifle, as suggested by the physical evidence on the telecsope? Had he been shot in the head? Had he been attacked from behind by a large bear? The answers to these questions cannot be answered from evidence at the crime scene. One can deduce the bear theory is probably not accurate. This is based on the fact that the rifle was found some distance from the body, and bore the marks of physical evidence that most probably came from his remains. That leaves the first two questions to ponder. As the head was missing from the torso, positive answers to these questions arenext to impossible.
Upon conclusion of a cursory inspection of the surrounding area, the remains as identified as those of Eugene Lindsey were packed into a cardboard box and transported to Gaspe'. The pressure was now on. The Pennsylvania authorities were officially informed that Eugene Lindsey had indeed been found dead of very suspicious causes, and that Richard Lindsey, and Fred Claar were still missing and unaccounted for. Tension would mount very quickly between the USA and Canadian governments.
Premier Maurice Duplessis now had problems that could not simply be fixed on the strength of a telephone call. His orders were swift and absolute. This matter must be brought to conclusion immediately, and by whatever means necessary. The tempo in the town of Gaspe', was about to pick up. . . .
The next part of the story will detail the discovery of the bodies of Richard Lindsey and Fred Claar, as well as the inquests, and the seizing of control. Wilbert Coffin will be taken into custody and charged with murder. . .
Lew Stoddard
Posted to site, June 20. 2006
41 comments:
I had no idea that this crime reached the proportions that you now write about. This has been a most upsetting scene to imagine, and I can imagine that it was actually much worse than you describe, and probably a lot more to come. I am sure this story is difficult to write as well, I know that it would be for me.
I sincerely hope this thing can get all sorted out one day. How terrible it must be for the Coffin family if he was found guilty wrongly, and at the same time, how terrible all this must have been for the American families as well. No winners, all losers.
Beth McIndoe
Trail, B C
I am still very curious if this affair is as you portray, a trumped up conviction by a home government to satisfy a foreign government. Is it possible to dupe so many people? And if so why did we let it happen?
Carol Blanchard
Kingston, Ontario
Already I have learned somethin from this story. all these years that i have known about this i always thought all three people had been shot to death as i always thought that was a known fact. so many people know so little about this but glad you are writing the story as needs to be told about
Bill Wharton in Brandon
you are much too grapphic in detail on this, most people could vissualise in there minds with out you going in to details .this is not right that you discibbe some things in to much details.
henri st. pierre from st.hubert
This thing is shaping up already to the fact that one man in a fit of rage could not have carried this out and thus far it involves only one victim. Impossible, Impossible in view of the fact that thre are still two more victims. I can now say thre is no way that one person only did this.
I thought all these years that these three people were all found together in a group. Thank you for informing me otherwise, as newspapers sure never re[ported it accurately, at least the ones that I saw.
Adam Grayson
From Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia
Mr. Stoddard,
I just finished reading the last posted episode of your story, and decided to review it again from the beginning, based on other accounts that I have heard over the years.
Going back to part three I believe it was, you quote where Mr. Coffin admitted to the police that he had some possessions of the victims that he had taken. Does that not suddenly jump out at you that this would incriminate him, that it would certainly support the murder charge against him for which he was charged?
Suddenly, I wonder about all this with his revelation there to the police. I question his innocence now.
Sandra Wilson
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Reply to Sandra Wilson. . .
Interesting comment Sandra. Important to consider here, that yes, Wilbert Coffin did admit to taking some things from the truck belonging to the victims. Take it one step further Sandra and reflect for a moment, that he freely admitted this, it was not something that was discovered from the police investigation. Of course Mr. Coffin would have known that he was admitting to a criminal act by the theft, however, he was willing to incriminate himself if it meant helping the investigation. If anything, this speaks volumes for his character.
As well Sandra, let us play a little game of pretend. Let us pretend for a moment that no one is reading this or listening, now answer this question. Have you at any time in your life ever taken anything that did not belong to you? I want you to include that strawberry that you may have eaten at the supermarket, that pen that you may have forgotten to take out of your purse and return to your employer, or that five dollar bill that was lying on the ground beside someones parked car. And also, I almost forgot, maybe even that pair of gloves that you forgot to put back on the shelf before you left the department store.
If your answer is yes to the above, now tell us Sandra, would that indicate that you would likely possess the qualities to commit murder?
If you are a spirtiual person the "Holy Bible" sums it up quite well. Says something like this. . . "He who is amongst us without sin, let him cast the first stone."
Thank you Sandra for your comment.
Lew,
Ditto for me on that reply to this Sandra Wilson. I couldn't agree with you more. If she used her head she would wait and read all the details and make her comments after it is finished.
Obviously Ms. Wilson you are one of these people who never actually buys a book, you just go in the store and read the first and last page, and now you are an authority on the story. Psychiatrists must love folks like you.
Bruce Clark
Saint John, New Brunswick
Lew Stoddard,
As an old soldier named Winston Churchill once said, "We shall never surrender," In other words Lew, give em Hell and full steam ahead in your story. You are entertaining my friend.
Bob F.
Sudbury, Ontario
Lew Stoddard,
Too bad you were not around to do the summation to the jury after poor Wilbert Coffin's trial. He would have lived to see old age, for which he should have. I make that statement after reading your reply comment to Ms. Sandra Wilson above.
Carolyn Geddes
Lew Stoddard,
Too bad you were not around to do the summation to the jury after poor Wilbert Coffin's trial. He would have lived to see old age, for which he should have. I make that statement after reading your reply comment to Ms. Sandra Wilson above.
Carolyn Geddes
I travelled through the Gaspe' Peninsula communities last year on a camping holiday. I passed through most all the communities that are associated with this case. I had no idea that was the area where all this took place. So hard to believe this could happen in such a beautiful part of our land.
I can see by comments from time to time on this page that the Coffin family has been here for a long time, and seem very dedicated to the fact of Wilbert's innocence. I believe that as well, and always have while growing up. I was raised at Edmundston, New Brunswick, which is not far away.
Lise' Theberge
Quebec, PQ
Hello Mr. Stoddard,
Just finished reading all the stuff that I could find on this Wilbert Coffin case around the internet.
Very interesting, however, I note that you are in much greater depth and detail, and your version differs from some of the newspaper accounts. Makes me wonder if they dug very deeply or if they simply copied each others stuff.
Until I read yours, I never realized that one of these people was found somewhat distant from the other two.
I have also learned that Mr. Coffin was not charged with all three murders, rather just one of them. Again, I learned this from your writings.
One account in particular states emphatically that he was charged with the murder of three people and they were found in the forest at Gaspe. This is disappointing that the papers could not get it right. I do not believe in Mr. Coffin's guilt, but I do like fair and honest reporting.
Fred Watters
I am sorry but I just don't buy this government conspiracy theory that you are touting. I believe that you are blaming government here because there is no one else for you to blame. If Coffin didn't do it, blaming the government is nothing but a cop out because you have no other suspects.
Accept the fact, you are not going to get your way on this. There was a crime, there was an investigation, there was a suspect, there was an arrest, there was a trial, there was an execution. The sentence of death was provided for under the laws of the day. End of story.
T Marsh
Windsor, Ontario
Reply to T Marsh. . .
Within the parameters of free speech, you are indeed entitled to your opinion, and as I have stated many times, I will argue until the end of time for your right to express it.
You are quite correct, there was a crime, there was an arrest, and there was an execution. There was an investigation in name only of a created suspect. There was no trial, there was a "Kangaroo Court."
In two separate e-mails Mr. Marsh, you tell me that you could produce other evidence that would convince all concerned of Wilbert Coffin's guilt. You have stated that on two separate occasions.
The hour has arrived Mr. Marsh. I am calling your hand, and doing it here on the public forum. It is time to turn your cards over. In any poker hand there are those who have cards to play and those who are bluffing. Simply put, I am calling your bluff! Lets see your hand!
Ps. . . Mr. Marsh identifies himself as a former member of the Quebec Provincial Police, although when asked where he was a member, he never responds.
Lew Stoddard
Mr. Stoddard,
In spite of what some may say, I am more convinced than ever that Wilbert Coffin was innocent of that crime. You are quite correct whan you state that his admission of the fact that he took some personal items speaks highly of him. He was doing his best as a good citizen to aid the investigation, when in fact of doing so, he created a monster of a problem for himself.
As far as this Mr. Marsh is concerned, the world is full of those that are all talk with no action.
Alfred Kinney
Houlton, Maine, USA
I am seething with anger when I read junk from people like this T. Marsh. If he truly was a former member of the police force, I sincerely hope that he wasn't as corrupt as the bunch who framed and hanged Mr. Coffin. . . but then again, he did say former member of the same organization.
Gail St Denis
Brantford, Ontario
Good writing Mr. Stoddard and Good Luck to all the Coffin family.
Lucy and Jack
Winnipeg, Manitoba
to Diane Peter
my husband and me are 85 and we remember well when this happen.we never everthought that your uncle was guilty and we dont now.thank youfor speaking on here,you are dedicate and that is good and i believe God will make this rightand God bless your family.imagine someone as old as me on a computer, my granddaughter she gave it to us for christmas and is helping me to learn to use it.excuse please mistakes just want to tell you that we love you all and think about you. bye fornow.
mr and mrs Jean Rivard
from Coquitlam, British columbia
Hello Everyone. . .
Found this site in a very round about way. My wife and I are both in the teaching profession and at end of June after school wraps up for the year are planning a driving and camping trip across Canada including driving around the Gaspe' Peninsula.
I was looking on the GoGaspe web site and I saw where the Wilbert Coffin story was being written here.
We are most familiar with this long ago story. My wife's Grand Dad knew Wilbert Coffin and also his Dad and some other family members from his early days of living in the region at Murdochville. This story has been told mamy times in our families homes over the years and I can tell you our Grand Dad never thought he was guilty.
I have book marked this site as I have scrolled back to the beginning of the story and will work my way forward on it over the next few days. Mr. Stoddard, I like your style of approach in your wording. You dance with the words very well, makes it interesting, and puts one in the story.
John and Catherine
Calgary, Alberta
Mr. Stoddard,
Your web page has encouraged me to do a little research on the subject of the wrongly accused and convicted in Canada. It is astounding, absolutely astounding!!! In my wildest dreams, I would never have thought it was even close to this.
My hat is off to the legal team associated with "The Association In Defence Of The Wrongly Convicted" or "AIDWYC" in shortened form. Excuse my ignorance, however, I was totally unaware of this groups existence.
I am so pleased to hear that they are now looking at the Wilbert Coffin case. I had no idea that there are so many examples of trumped up justice in Canada. It is an embarassment to us all.
Thank you Sir for providing a venue such as your site, otherwise, I must admit I would have not known. I was researching something else and came across the site. I was not familiar with the Wilbert Coffin case, but you have definitely got my interest and am reading your story and researching it further. Than you once again for the information provided.
Tony Abrams
Ottawa, Canada
I simply cannot believe the dedication of current generations of the Coffin family regarding this case. I am certain that in most families if this had occured that long ago, it would be just another family story of a long ago time and would eventually be forgotten.
I do not know a lot about this topic, but I do believe that for such an outpouring now of support, some 50 years later, Wilbert Coffin's case should be looked at, and if it is anywhere even close to what I have been reading recently, the government, of not only Quebec, but the federal government in Ottawa, should be hanging their heads in shame.
Again, if it is as portrayed, this is abuse and cruelty to both the Coffin family and the American families as well.
Garnet Mathias
Truro, Nova Scotia
Although I do know the final outcome of this story of course, it is still a most intriguing and mystifying event.
The fact that the Government of Canada has used the Coffin case as an example for a cause to eliminate capital punishment in Canada, should serve to remind us all as citizens, that it is reasonable and probable, to assume that they are aware that a miscarriage of justice most probably prevailed.
In my view, both the Canadian government and the government of Quebec are charged with the responsibility to set the matter straight, with a complete investigation. This is necessary in order to restore public confidence in our justice system.
M Thorpe
University student from Guelph
Message to Carol B
Unfortunately it is possible to dupe the citizens of any country, not just Canadians. I believe this happened because in a country such as ours, we tend to put lots of trust into our politicians, perhaps sometimes too much. In a perfect world, true these things would never happen.
The sad part is, if things like this can happen, then people like Wilbert Coffin who had no way of fighting back, pays the price. This is the injustice served when politicians do not do their jobs.
G Oates
Perth Andover, New Brunswick
I like the comment from G Oates. I agree with you tottaly as we electe politicans to look after our interest and they let down the people who made the job possible
B Burrows from nanaimo , BC
"No winners, all losers" certainly describes this whole painful affair, a horrible time for the Coffin family. For those "on the outside looking in", this case is the tragic story of a justice system gone monsterously wrong. For those of us who were "on the inside looking out" gossip/innuendo, silence, anger, despair....This was not only a grave miscarriage of justice for Bill Coffin. It tore at the very heart of our Gaspé community, and had a profound affect on other families!
Having grown up in the Gaspe' region, and now being in the mid fifty age group, I was certainly aware of this happening with the Coffin family.
Unfortunately, it is a sad tale of events when a community cannot or will not speak out just because it didn't seem like the right thing to do because of gossip, anger, despair, or even shame for that matter.
I know that the members of my former Gaspe' region community were and are, a hearty and proud lot of people, always sticking together in times of crisis and hard times. At the same time I want the Coffin family to know that I do understand some of their feelings, and maybe not wanting to disrupt the usual quiet way of life back there over the years, but time has changed, and I am glad to see this being talked about, even if it did occur a half century ago.
I came across this site a couple of times in the past couple of weeks. My husband was looking at a former article written on here regarding a ferry boat mishap, and I also saw it on the Gaspe' Information website. It stirred our interest and caused me to reflect on my youth and having grown up in one of the most beautiful areas of Canada. Before I go, I just want to say to all the Coffin family, Many people share your grief, and we encourage you to have faith and keep at it.
Mr. and Mrs. B. McMullin
Campbell River, B. C.
Hey Coffin family you have nothing to feel shamefull aboutand you have stood up well and i incouragee you tofight this to end of time if that is what it takes. one of the guys i drive machinery withknows about this he is fromNew brunswick and he told us. i dont writeso well and cant spell as just a old graderoperator but i supporte you all the wayon this.
marty in ft. Mcmurray alberta
I am curious Mr. Stoddard as to why at this late date you have developed such a profound interest in the Coffin affair. If it is genuine dedication that is good I guess, but if it is for eventual monetary gain down the road in the form of journalistic values then it is horribly wrong in every sense as you are preying upon the unfortunate. I suspect you may be guilty of my assumption based on the way you choose your wording.
W M McCready
Sarnia, Ontario
There appears to be laws and rules for those who can afford it, and an entirely different set for those who can't. They always get bowled over as it looks like Mr. Coffin did.
Anonymous in Gaspe'(and not a relative either)
Memo to W McCready in Sarnia.
My favourite expression Sir, "You are entitled to your opinion." My response to your querie is as follows. I would never waste my day in trying to prove a negative.
The option Sir is yours to grasp onto. You Sir, are the accuser, I am the accused in your remarks. I refer you to our Charter Of Rights and Freedoms. I am protected by a presumption of innocence until proven otherwise. The ball Sir, is in your court to prove me guilty of your charge,
I await your analysis. Thanks for your comment, and stayed tuned.
Ps....By the way Sir, you can obtain a copy of our Charter from the Queens printer in Ottawa, or if you prefer, send me an e-mail, and I would be happy to arrange a copy for you. Have a Great Day!
Lew Stoddard
Mr. Stoddard,
I want to compliment you on doing an excellent job in describing the details of such a horrible happening in our past. I have heard many stories regarding Mr. Coffin, as my family comes from the Gaspe region. One thing is for sure, the majority of gaspecians believe that Mr. WilberT Coffin was an innocent man that had his life taken from him to save the goverments butt.
I have also read the book " To Build a Noose". I am sure that Mr. Coffin was a scapegoat for the Quebec government to get out of trouble with the U.S.A.. Politics, tourism and of course the all mighty buck had a great deal in pushing this case to be quickly dealt with, with no questions asked. An open & closed Case.
Mr. Stoddard,
I want to compliment you on doing an excellent job in describing the details of such a horrible happening in our past. I have heard many stories regarding Mr. Coffin, as my family comes from the Gaspe region. One thing is for sure, the majority of gaspecians believe that Mr. Wilbert Coffin was an innocent man that had his life taken from him to save the goverments butt.
I have also read the book " To Build a Noose". I am sure that Mr. Coffin was used as a scapegoat for political, tourism and of course the all mighty buck reasons. This case had to be dealt with quickly, needed to be opened and closed quickly, without questions, without too much digging so that The Government of Quebec would save face as well as Power.
I must make a comment concerning some doubts that are in peoples minds, and that is that Wilbert did in fact, steal from the American Hunters, which he openly admitted to. Of course the government, Prosecutors used this as a hard line for proving his guilt. And In fact Mr. Stoddard, you made it sound like Mr. Coffin, was kind, respectable and very helpful to all that needed his help. Although, the items he stole were harmless and do not in any way prove that he murdered anyone, in fact opens the door to show he was honest in his need to help, but there is one item that he stole that is worrisome. Why did Mr. Coffin, steal the new fuel pump when he helped the Hunters attain it in the first place., and even if he did believe that the 3 hunters had left with the new hunters that had arrived, why would he have presumed that they would not be going back to their vehicle. They would surely return and would eventually need that fuel pump. It makes the mind wonder as to why, of all things, did he take that. Knowing that the 3 Hunters could have been stranded in the woods. I would be curious to know if you have an answer to that one question that nags at me Sir. I am 98% convinced that Mr. Coffin was innocent and more so when we realize that the dead American's bodies were not together, but still.... that little 2%, that darn fuel pump, why did he not leave it to them, incase they returned?
You are a great writer, Keep it up, I will be waiting for a very interesting conclusion I am sure.
A neice of Gaspe's Homeland.
this is good to be able to say opinion on here and speak with others interested in same thing, almost as goodas being able to sit down at a conversation. about the fuel pump i have read over the years that it was not proper fuel pump for the repair and that wouldbe why it was not put on the engine so was no good to repair the truck so mr coffin probly would have found that out when they returned first day with it to fix truck thank you
from maurice in Lachine
I'm reading through the earlier postings of June 1 and see Alton Price says
"The brief was accompanied by 27 pages of information on the unofficially named murderer. In spite of family and outside pressure the witness to the murders refuses to make an affidavit."
Does this mean that Mr Price thinks he knows the name of the true murderer of Bill Coffin and that there is a witness to the murders?
Response to anonymous
Pleased stay tuned to the story, as there have been happenings in the past, and they are still being worked on. As and when things can be made public, I can assure you they will be.
As I have said many times, I am confident that the key will be found that will unlock the door. As you can appreciate, things have to be presented in a proper legal and sensitive way.
Lew Stoddard
Why in Hell did this thing have to be so complicated we always figured it was a clear cut case of someone that murdered some hunters in the woods and now i find out there is some crooked stuff that went on and it looks likre the most crooked are the cops and prossecuters. if they lied and cheated to nail mr.coffin on purpose then they are guilty of murderand should have been hung themselfes. this is pure b s and keep after it mr stoddard and you dont seem to worry about nagging at somebody
Bob sabine frm Stanley new Brunswick
Dear Mr. Stoddard,
I heard you speaking on a radio show a few days ago regarding the Wilbert Coffin case. I was totally unaware of it until I heard that program, as I am much too young to know about it and coming from western Canada.
As you can see though I did obviously make note of your web page, and since that have read all your postings plus looked up a lot more stuff on the case. You are a good writer, and want to say your writings certainly enhance and compliment your speaking ability. You are most articulate, both in the spoken and written word. I look forward to the story as it progresses.
Mrs. Nancy Berglund
Victoria, B. C.
I left a comment on youe site back in April when you were concluding your writings on Steven Truscott, and I mentioned at that time that I was looking forward to your writing and examination of the Wilbert Coffin case.
Mr. Stoddard you have not disappointed me. You did a commendable job on writing about Mr. Truscott's dilemma, and certainly the same can be said here.
Bob Murdock
Dauphin, Manitoba
Really amazing! Useful information. All the best.
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In response to carol b....
I agree that this is such an unbelievable story. But, I think it's important for us to remember the era that this event took place. I grew up in the Gaspe Peninsula and, at that time, it was quite isolated. Also, our world wasn't inundated with information as it is today as computers and internet were nonexistent. In the Gaspe, our only connection to the outside world were two radio stations and two television stations: CBC in French and CBC in English. I believe that newspapers were sent by mail from Montreal and Quebec City. I think it's also important to point out that the Duplessis government was, without question, a regime and the Quebec Provincial Police were feared. It was the 1950's, and segregation was still an issue in the USA. People hadn't started to stand up against injustices. That only started happening in the 60's and 70's. The tools of forensic science that we have today weren't available then. Also, there were no government watchdogs. Even with all that's available today, innocent men have still been wrongfully convicted. I grew up with the sad story of Wilbert Coffin. My parents always believed that Wilbert Coffin was innocent.
P Shanahan
Calgary, AB
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