Stoddard Online

Stoddard Online Continued from part thirteen. . . .

The Wilbert Coffin story had it's beginning fifty three years ago in Gaspe' Quebec. I am certain there are some of you who would prematurely be of the opinion that the facts surrounding it could never happen in 2006. If you are one of these individuals, don't get caught up in that assumption.

If you are one who pays attention to what is happening on a daily basis in our country, you will be familiar with what I am about to allude to. If you are not one who pays attention, the time has arrived to wake up and smell the daisies. Anyone of us could very easily find ourselves in the predicament that Wilbert Coffin was in. You might quickly say, "well, at least we wouldn't have to worry about a death penalty today." Don't be too sure. I invite you to read on. . .

For the past three days in Canada the antics of our national police force, The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have been under scrutiny by the public. Front line media, both print and broadcast outlets, have focused on Ottawa, and more specifically, the Commons Public Safety Committee.

Canada watched as the teary eyed commissioner of The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli, offered his explanation , and his public apology for the destruction of a Canadian citizen and his family by the national police force. That citizen was Mr. Maher Arar, a Syrian born Canadian.

In haste to appear cooperative with our neighbor, The United States Of America, our administration chose to build a case against one of our citizens and sacrifice them in the name of making our government look good. Familiar tones here? Read on.

The simple facts of this case were that The RCMP created a false file on Mr. Arar. They in turn shared this false file with United States authorities who in turn arrested Mr. Arar and deported him to Syria, where he was thrown in jail as an extremist. He was never charged in Syria, simply because, he had done nothing wrong. For a year though, he was subjected to torture and threats. He then returned to Canada, as he had a right to do, as he is a Canadian citizen. This was the point where the federal government got in the act. They had to cover their butt, and as usual, did a lousy job in their endeavors. When it became apparent that Mr. Arar was going to make noises, Ottawa officials simply tried to cover by leaking false and misleading information about Mr. Arar to the media. The age old rule applies here, you can never smooth out the edges by covering one pack of lies with another pack of lies. Finally it bacame abundantly clear, The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, acting as official agents of the Canadian government, had committed an international crime for which no one will ever be held accountable if the authorities and the government have their way.

Commissioner Zaccardelli, to an unsuspecting Canadian, perhaps came across as an innocent head of a large crown agency. Personally, I do not accept that for a moment. In my view, though appearing to be contrite, I believe he is not telling the truth. My reason for this conclusion is simple. He is the head of the RCMP, who are charged with the responsibility of security and the overall policing in this country, and thus, he would be aware of what is going on. If he is not, then that tells me that he is in a job that he is not capable of administering. Either way, he has to go. Canadians deserve more from their top cop.

The government is going to be forced to make a decision in an attempt to save face before this is over. They are either going to have to tell some more lies in an attempt to patch things up with the voters, or they are going to have to fire Zaccardelli. Canadians are too smart now I believe to accept more untruths, so that leaves the second option. That option comes with attached baggage. If they sack Zaccardelli, he is most likely to sing like a canary. He will not I believe, go down without a fight.

The Honourable Stockwell Day, who is the federal Public Safety Minister did not ask for Commissioner Zaccardelli's resignation, instead stating that he has full confidence in Commissioner Zaccardelli to lead the RCMP. Obviously the government and the RCMP actively participated in wrongdoing, however, Mr. day offered no apology on the part of the federal government.

The Privy Council Office, being the office that directs the affairs of the federal cabinet, was apparently bombarded with false information from the RCMP. In the pomp and splendor of this inner sanctum, the true decisions of cabinet are formulated. The members of this hierarchy are selected members of the government side of the The House Of Commons, and trust me, when a decision is announced on the floor of the House Of Commons, the Privy Council is aware. The bottom line here, Commissioner Zaccardelli is in a position to name names. In my view, that is why there will be reluctance to fire him, even though that is the only logical solution.

Back in 1956, though the Privy Council members were different, the office still directed the affairs of the federal cabinet. It has to be that way. That is the structure of our democratic government. The Privy Council of that time could very easily have directed the cabinet to commute the death sentence of Wilbert Coffin. They had cause to do that. They knew that at the time as well. The question to ask here would be, why then, if they had reason to commute Mr. Coffin's sentence, then how come it was not done? The answer is a tangled web of deceit, gross mismanagement, and a perceived requirement to satisfy the whims and desires of the American administration. There was speculation at the time that it had to do with the tourism industry, and as well an extradition treaty process. True, it did deal with these things, however, it went much much deeper. In my next posting, I shall be dealing with these things at length. You will see where Wilbert Coffin never stood a chance. The federal cabinet were nothing short of grandstanding when they led Canadians to believe that a review of the process was and had taken place. It was nothing more than cosmetic window dressing. They needed a scapegoat, and they had their man, Wilbert Coffin. I am confident that after you take a look at a couple of documents that I have, you will be convinced that I am right. It will also be a stern reminder to some of those privy council and cabinet members of the late 1950's who are still alive that you didn't escape undetected.

Mr. Day, please understand that very shortly your office is going to be involved in the straightening out of another case of wrong doing. It involves provincial government. It involves provincial supreme court, the Supreme Court Of Canada, and it involves the federal government. It involves a former Canadian citizen. I say former Canadian citizen simply because the federal government allowed him to be hanged for a crime that cannot be proven against him. It can't be proven against him Mr. Day, simply because he did not commit the crime. Mr. Day, this mans name was Wilbert Coffin. Wilbert was born and raised in Gaspe', Quebec. Mr. Day, I want you to remember also that Wilbert Coffin contributed much and asked for nothing in return. You see Mr. Day, Wilbert Coffin very unselfishly gave up his life for nearly five years and volunteered on the battlegrounds of Europe, to help preserve the freedoms that we enjoy in this land called Canada. It was through the efforts of good men and women like Wilbert Coffin that you have that nice job on the Hill representing Canadians in parliament. Let us never forget that fact. Wilbert Coffin and his family deserve a more fitting thank you than what Canada has thus far extended.

Mr. Day, the Coffin family has been forced to endure a half century of grief. That is not right. You have acted quickly and surely to correct the recent RCMP scandal. Your government has recently resolved the situation with the head tax of Chinese Canadians, and the federal government has corrected the wrongful convictions of several Canadians. Mr. Day, I am talking to you. I am not going to go away. It is now time to correct the Wilbert Coffin affair, not with so called studies, not with reviewing the original trial, not by asking the Supreme Court for a review, but, with a full government review of the case, and the introduction of evidence that was denied and suppressed, and acknowledging the deceit and deception that was so prevalent in the original proceedings. When the review is undertaken, you will easily note that Wilbert Coffin's rights to a fair trial were denied. This has already been established by the Supreme Court.

I am sending you the internet address to this web site, and as well, I am e-mailing you a copy of this posting. Additionally, I am sending the Justice Minister, The Honourable Vic Toews , and The Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Stephen Harper copies as well. It is my intention to forward you in a few days, the readers comments left on this site pertaining to todays posting relating to this case.

In closing, I am inviting all the readers of this site to please write a brief comment and post it on the comments page for this posting. Let us show the Minister that we are dedicated to this cause. I want to hear from family members, and I want to hear from folks far and wide if you have an interest in ths case. I just ask that you leave your name or initials if you prefer, and also the name of your city or town. This tells Ottawa the scope of the interest in the case. As well, I ask that you do not leave several comments under assumed names. I want this to be a truthful, and factual representation, just the same way that I am requesting a truthful representation of the facts of this case to be presented in a government review.

Lew Stoddard
Posted to site October 01, 2006

Stoddard Online

Stoddard Online . . . My plans are to publish here on the web site, various pieces of original correspondence, and as well, documents detailing facts surrounding the Wilbert Coffin affair leading up to and including the 1954, Regina Vs Coffin trial of first degree murder in Perce' Quebec.

Many of these documents may appear long, boring, and drawn out. In each document that I shall be presenting over the next few days, there are key points that will be highlighted in colours. These statements range from manipulation and deceit, right up the ladder to plain lies. Those ststements that can be proven as lies will be in "red." Those that fall under manipulation and deceit are highlighted in "blue." There are a few statements that actually fall under both headings. These will be highlighted in "green."

Months back, when I commenced writing this story I informed you that there are many graphic details with respect to this affair. Every possible effort has been made to ensure the dignity of the deceased persons. You will note references made to photographs of the deceased as exhibits for the trial, however, actual photographs have been deleted from the files.

As most of these documents have been translated from French, you will note grammatical errors in some instances. This is as a result of translation, as language translation is not an exact science. I apologize for this, but I am certain you will be understanding. Translation of all these documents has been an arduous task. I personally thank and praise Lani Mitchell for her hundreds of hours of hard work and dedication, since we embarked upon the journey to set the record straight in this case.

You will see many references throughout of the word "Surette" or "Surette Provinciale De Quebec." Simple translation is "Quebec Provincial Police." The

As you read this stuff over the next few days, please take time to reflect for a moment that this stuff formed the basis for the process to hang a man. For a starting point to show you the documents, I have decided that a good place to start would be at Quebec City with Captain Alphonse Matte getting the call from Duplessis to go to Gaspe'. Here is the first part, with my comments immediately following each article. . . .

SURETE PROVINCIALE DE QUEBEC

DIRECTEUR ADJOINT DE LA SURETE Gaspé, P.Q.
July 29 1953

From J.A.Matte, Capt. Pol. Jud.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Re. Eugene Lindsay, Richard Lindsay and Frederick Claar ( Hollidaysburg, Blair Cty, Pa.) MURDERS

To continue with further reports and on the instructions of the APGS (C), I left Quebec at 9:15 p.m. on July 22 1953, accompanied by Capt. Raoul Sirois and Gend. Romuald Poirier. At 10:30 a.m. the next day we were at the bureau of the Surute provincial in Gaspé where we immediately met Sergeant Doyon. About 11 a.m. this same day, Barney Donohue, hunting guide, who was part of the group of searchers near camp 24 of Canton Holland informed Sergeant Doyon that the corpses of two Americans were found the same morning by a man named Eddy Bouchard and one named Julien Jalbert. We went immediately to the locations where we arrived about 3p.m.

In place, accompanied by Capt. Sirois, Sgt. Doyon, Gend. Romuald Poirier and others, we put in some boxes the remains found about 75 ft. from the camp known as no. 26 of Canton Holland and that the complete skull, the jawbones, the bones, such as parts of shoulder blades, collarbones, thighbones, tibias, fibulas, etc…………………….. further more found clothing that was probably worn by this victim and that consisted of a pair of pants, probably brown with a leather belt tinted red carrying a buckle with the initials “R”- a mackinaw red and black ( …shirt) a white shirt with the name “ Hollidaysburg Tigers” on it and a figure of a tiger in blue. On this shirt appearing in the center and slightly to the left, region of the heart, a perforation in which the contour has a scale of about 4 inches in diameter, colour reddish, a sport shirt tinted green marked ‘ sport top-washable’ shows as well a perforation and at the same level as was described on the white shirt; 1 windbreaker or red and black checked shirt marked “ Woolrich” with a zipper also had a perforation and in the same level that was already mentioned for the other two pieces. Attached to this report is a complete list of articles found at this spot.


The same day, being 23-7-53, in proximity to the first skeleton some remains belonging definitively to a second skeleton, were found about 115 feet from the first, on the other side of the St Jean river in a flank of a mountain bordering camp no. 26; a pelvis with part of a spinal column, traces of four sides, 2 femurs and some other small bones. That which allowed us to make identification of this second skeleton was the inferior jaw bone and a denture, the two fit perfectly together.1 pair overalls “Jeans” blue, where the pockets were inside out, were furthermore found, 1 red t-shirt, size “large of Penney’s “ 1 left foot ankle boot, in brown leather laced with eyelets, sole of a black galosh, being probably size 11 or 12.


About 130 ft. from a camp at the extremity northwest of this camp, the searchers Julien Jalbert and Leo Langlois found under a stump and well covered, a black leather vest size 42 in which several exterior pockets with zippers were open. On the collar of this vest was the initial “R” in rhinestones and on the other side of the collar a metal plaque gilded with initials US. Some small items were found in the pockets on the side of the vest, some chewing gum, an English key, etc… See the complete attached list.


The two skeletons and all the mentioned objects were taken to Gaspé the same night and stored in the garage of the Surete to guard them there while waiting for the medical examiner, Dr. Jean Marie Roussel of Montreal.


As was asked by the A.P.G.S. (C), we subsequently drew up a list of all found objects to date also by Sergeant Doyon and these men like ourselves and we attach, for your information, all these lists to the report.


Having been informed that a truck located by the searchers at 1 mile south of camp 21 on 11-7-53, was parked near the residence of garage owner Lloyd Annett, at 4.5 miles from Gaspé and under no surveillance, I thought to try to take necessary arrangements to have it brought back to Gaspé and stored in the garage of the Surete Provinciale. This was done on 27-7-53 and after examination; a list was made by agent J.C. Vanhoutte the same day. The objects mentioned on this list were in the truck of Eugene H. Lindsay, license R6PN9 for the current year and the state of Pennsylvania, Ford model 69c, year 1947, dark green colour, serial no. 727263. Annexed list report of these objects.


Since 23-7-53 we had disclosed to Capt. Sirois the attention to the searches between the camps 26 where the remains were found of the two last victims and also at camp 24 in the objective of retrieving the skull of the skeleton of Eugene Lindsay. These searches were fruitful and the 24-7-53 2 rifles, a pair of binoculars and other pieces were labeled and immediately transported to Gaspé.


The subsequent days gave as well satisfactory results and also 27-7-53 the wallet of Eugene Lindsay was found and all of its contents gone except for some silver (change? Money?) that was there. The search was terminated 28-7-53 in the evening with the approval of the A.P.G.S. (C).


At 2 pm on 27-7-53, to continue, under the precedence of Coroner Lionel Rioux of Riviere au Renards, in the room of the Canadian Legion in Gaspé the inquest into the circumstances of the death of Victims Lindsay and Claar. The jurors were made up of the following people-_Alvin Patterson, 32 years, Georges Kruse, age 49 years, Lewis Miller, 42 years, Lloyd Annett, 63 years, Whorrel Annett, 53 years, and Reggy DeGruchy, 47 years. At the recovery of this inquest, four witnesses were heard being in this order Dr. Jean Marie Roussel, Clarence E. Claar, father of the victim of the same name, Jacob Clyde Sell, brother-in-law of the victim Lindsay and Wilbert Coffin.


At the finish of these testimonies, through the president of the jury, Reggy DeGruchy, the verdict following was rendered.
“From testimony given by Dr Roussel and other witnesses, our verdict is that Richard Lindsay and Frederick Claar were murdered from gunshot wounds by person or persons unknown. As that the torso and skull being completely missing and from evidence given by Dr Roussel and other witnesses, our verdict is that Eugene H. Lindsay died from a cause unknown.”

During the night of 27-7-53 to 28-7-53, we interrogated Wilbert Coffin, age 39, living in York Center at Gaspé. This interrogation was to gain knowledge from Coffin, when, how, and where he came in contact with the American hunters, principally to end up knowing if he was giving us the same version as he had earlier given to Sgt. Doyon, and at Coroner’s inquest because of all the evidence the population of Gaspé totally suspects (-----? Word missing at edge of page--) Coffin as being the author of these three assassinations. Coffin gave us the names and addresses of certain people that he saw in Montreal, as well that he said to us of having been reimbursed of $ 40.00 from young Lindsay on 12-6-53 after he had made a trip to Gaspé in the cause to come to the aid of them to get a fuel pump for their truck. He couldn’t offer a satisfactory reason to explain his precipitous departure in the course of the night of 12 or 13-6-53 from Gaspé to Montreal with the truck, the property of Bill baker. He told us then of his trip to Montreal where he failed to having made a call to his two brothers who operate a garage in Gaspé, same as to certain parents. And more, he took himself to visit a sister, Mrs. Bert Williams in Cornwall, Ontario, and on his return to Montreal, he crashed the truck of Baker and was himself hospitalized in a Montreal hospital which he couldn’t furnish the (name?) Some days after he left in a bus from Montreal to Val D’Or where he says he was going for several days, sleeping at the Windsor Hotel on the main road to Val D’Or in a boarding house operated by a Chinese. In the course of this interview, we had further learned that he took himself to the mining brokers, that he would have spoken to them of the claim he possessed in Gaspé, inviting the men to come see the terrain. On this information we verified at Battery Park Hotel and in fact, we see that 20-7-53 is the date of the (duetour) of Coffin to Gaspé, under the No. of registration card Jos KYLE and W.A. …TIE (can’t see the name here) was registered in cabin no. 3 known as the name …Buckley’s. These two brokers, Coffin told us, would have given him in total $57.00 to defray the cost of the boarding house from Val D’Or to Gaspé, passing by Mount Laurier, Montreal and following the south side of the river.


This day we had the opportunity to interview Clarence Claar and J. Clyde Sell. The last, brother of Mrs. Lindsay didn’t seem to be conversant with the organization made by his brother in law for the trip that would take them from between Hollidaysburg to Gaspé. Save for the praises he made of his brother in law in his private life, he couldn’t give us any information that would be helpful in this case. Of one part, Claar reported to us to be a travel companion of Eugene Lindsay and that both worked as a mechanic for the Road Company of Pennsylvania. Seeming to be familiar with the affairs of his friend, Lindsay, he informed us that he lived (next words are black….. can’t read…) his son had graduated the same day as their…..of Hollidaysburg and that this trip to Canada
Had been organized as a …reward for young Richard. The finances of Lindsay were certainly good, said he, by the fact that it was about two years ago that he had sold a bus line with a charter (?) for the sum of $ 20,000.00 that the sale hadn’t been for cash but that the payments were made…. Such as was understood between the interested parties. We were able to obtain again to this trip not any certainty of the amount of money that Eugene Lindsay might have had in his possession before he left Hollidaysburg; neither a single detail about the sort of baggage that the hunters would have had when they were getting ready to come to Canada. About his son, he is positive that he had no more than about $11.00 on him when he left, learning this information himself from one of his friends who had seen his son just before he left.


Around 10:45 p.m. on this day Capt. R. Sirois received a phone call from J.A, Tapp of Moncton, informing him that 28-7-53 when he was in the bar of Baker’s Hotel, he had the occasion to speak with two people; one who was American and the other a Canadian. The description of these two people was given in a note annexed to this report and the information indicated that this American had come to hunt bear as well. We doubt that this party was in the forest long enough to meet the Lindsay party. However the information from Baker’s Hotel was taken from this subject.


At the point of furnishing our report, we learned from the director of Canadian International paper, David Pit Johnson and of Wilfred Carter of the Ministry of Hunting and Fisheries, of certain information that wasn’t in accord with the preliminary report of Sergeant Doyon.


In his report of 14-7-53 in the third paragraph, Sgt Doyon says that Lindsay asked for a woods permit between June 12 1953 to about the 31st. para. Of report of 28-7-53 he says of Coffin that this last had noticed the truck in the flank of a mountain on July 10th. The information that we took since our arrival here in Gaspé and that was verified previously, we learned that Lindsay asked for and received his permit to go in the woods on 8-6-53. We learned moreover that Sgt. Doyon had accompanied Wilbert coffin to the place of the crime, something that he didn’t mention in his report of July 28 1953. The report, submitted by Johnson of the C.I.P. jointly with Carter of the Ministry of Hunting and Fisheries, we note as well (and more verification is being made on this subject) that the first searches and the first discovery of a skeleton was done by a group organized by Johnson and Carter. Johnson advised moreover that Sergeant Doyon was conversant with the searches made and asked Johnson to inform him if he came up with developments. Moreover the information of this report is important and will be checked at the first opportunity.

(J.A.Matte) Captaine
In Charge of the Judiciary Police

****************************

In the above letter to his boss, Captain Matte tries to give the impression that he has everything under control. As you have read, the bodies of Richard Lindsey and Fred Claar have just been discovered. It is important to note though that Captain Matte and his partner had not yet arrived in Gaspe' when the bodies were found. Later in the story, you will read where he makes reference to being there on the scene when the bodies were found, with Barney Donahue and his partner being those who found the bodies, when in fact that was untrue.

I will make reference here to you of Sgt. Henri Doyon. Sgt. Doyon was the station commander of the Quebec Provincial Police at Gaspe' when Matte arrived. Matte would spot immediately that Doyon had respect, had things under control, but he did not fit into Matte's method of doing things. He had to go. Important to this posting is the one you will read in a few days with reference to Sgt. Doyon. That interview took place in the insane asylum where they had banished him. He will tell us that he and Matte would lock horns on the first day of Matte's arrival. Matte asked the name of the last person known to have see or talked to the missing hunters. When he heard the name Wilbert Coffin, he was now the murderer, and you will note the interrogations of Wilbert that would go on relentlessly had their beginning in this letter.

The bottom line summary from this first letter from Captain Matte is the fact that Sgt. Henri Doyon's departure is planned, and Wilbert Coffin has been singled out as the murderer. You will also note that captain Matte tells his boss a total lie when he states that the whole town is of the opinion that Wilbert Coffin commited these murders when the exact opposite was the true opinion. One would have been hard pressed to find one person, French or English who were convinced that Wilbert Coffin commited thes crimes. We will go now to the next piece of correspondence, and then tie them together as we go. Pay close attention to the last sentences of this letter. The demise of Sgt. Henri Doyon is guaranteed. This letter is from Captain Alphonse Matte to J C Vanhoutte, who woud soon become one of Captain Mattes's lead hands. Again, it is published firstly in translated format to English, immediately followed by the French version. Following the letter, you may see my recap and my comments, as I explain how it will tie in to other documents and actions to follow. . . .

SURETE PROVINCIALE DE QUEBEC

Personnelle Quebec, July 31 1953

Agent J.C. Vanhoutte,
A/S Poste de la Surete Provinciale
Casier postal 67,
Gaspé, P.Q.

My Dear M. Vanhoutte,

1. Would you verify as I've ask you, I think, on all the cars that entered the forest since the beginning of the searches for the American hunters, and try also to find the car that lost the metal circle of a headlight.

2. Verify also, and eliminate if possible, the story of a jeep that might have entered the forest around the date that really interests us, between the 8th of June and the 20th of June. With the information given by people of Fox River.

I think you should meet the guide Richard Patterson, and ask him if at the beginning of the summer he was asked to guide some Americans, and note all the information to that effect,
and also questions on the Lindsay's side.

3) If you lack work before my return, there is need for you to go to St Leonard , N.B., and to verify at the customs of this place, if other Americans than Lindsay , in a (panel?) or in a jeep, made declarations that they were going to search? In Canada, and, in effect, you could find in these permits the number of rifles, etc. I would like that this verification be made with all unquestionable doubt possible. Inform yourself likewise from this bureau what are the other points of entry to New Brunswick from the American side in this province. Obviuosly you could verify the nearest customs on the condition that it wouldn’t be more than 200 miles.
4) I don’t know how long I will be absent but, in all ways, we have had a good interview with the solicitor general on our arrival last night and obtained that Sirois continues with me in this investigation. It is possible that a member of the post in Gaspé will be recalled to come to Quebec very shortly. Under the circumstances, you will want to stay on top of this. ( Translation reads…..you will want well not to move away from this…I take that to mean “ you will want to stay on top of this.”)

JAM/rl (J.A. Matte-Capitaine)
In charge of ??? ( can’t read this part..only part of page there)

************************



This letter deals mainly with deception and manipulation on the part of Captain Alphonse Matte. You will note that in the second paragraph that he is instructing Vanhoutte to verify the existence of a Jeep vehicle that was in the forest where the Lindsey's were. It is interesting to note his order. He instructs Vanhoutte to "eliminate." it's existence, should he confirm the presence of the vehicle. This is the first example of tarnishing and suppressing key evidence to build the case around Wilbert Coffin.

With reference to instructing Mr. Vanhoutte to go to St. Leonard, this was, on the surface a fruitless effort, as and he already knew the answers that Vanhoutte would receive. In those days, Canada Customs did not demand the showing of sporting arms when coming across the border. There is no possible way that they would know which vehicles possessed firearms. Secondly, Mr. Matte suggests to ask if Canada Customs knew of any others in addition to Lindsey who had come across the border declaring that they were coming to search. He makes a major goof here. Lindsey did not come across the border to search. He came across the border presumably to hunt. He knew in advance that Customs would give a negative response. That may not seem important, but it is vital later when he would declare that there was no record of Americans coming across the border. Also, in those days records were not kept of which vehicles had entered Canada. I can recall being back and forth across the border hundreds of times when the border stop was little more than a "Hello and have a good trip." Silently, the case was being built, the trap was being set, and Wilbert coffin was the quarry.

The last paragraph says it all. It makes reference to a member of the post at Gaspe' being recalled to Quebec. It doesn't require a crystall ball to figure out who that member might be. It was none other than Sgt. Henri Doyon. His fate was now sealed as well. Even though he would not be making his exit for sometime, no more would he be a thorn in the side of Matte's case against Wilbert Coffin.

You will also note from the tone of the letter that Captain Matte appears to be perhaps planning to go somewhere on a trip. He is. He is about to take off on an extended trip to Montreal in an attempt to replicate Wilbert Coffin's recent trip there. This trip would require the services of an expert like himself in the field of deceit, chiefly because many folks along the way would have to be "reminded" of their recollection of the trip.

Join me again in a couple days for some more reading material. With reference to the French version, a slight hitch developed. As I mentioned the formats were slightly different, so certain adjustments have to be made, though I ask you to bear with me and I will publish the French versions tomorrow in an amended posting. This would not have been a problem originally, however, with the scheduled posting being moved ahead one day, the time frame was just too tight. Again, the French versions will be complete, just the same as the English. In subsequent postings in this series the French and English will appear in the same current episode. Cheers for now. I am late posting, please forgive me.

Lew Stoddard
Posted to site September 28, 2006

Stoddard Online

Stoddard Online Continued from part eleven. . . .

As I have mentioned to all my readers on numerous occasions, this is a difficult story to write. There are twists and turns, and there are occasionally spur lines running off in other directions. As well, information poured in during the course of the story, thanks to a very caring audience. It is still coming in now as I type this portion of the manuscript. It is 5:30 AM on the west coast of Canada and I have received a phone call already this morning, advising me that some pertinent facts that I was seeking are now available.

Without doubt, in all endeavors in life there is a point where we tend to stop and ask ourselves if what we are doing is worth all the sacrifices necessary to achieve a projected goal. Fortunately, in this case I have never been forced to make that decision. If I had though, an event that took place yesterday morning would have renewed my strength, and boosted me to an all time high in my desire to see this case reach a rightful conclusion.

Several weeks ago, I received an e-mail from a certain gentleman who was acting as a third party in the setting up of an interview between a Mrs. Mimi Wilson and myself. I realize that the name Mimi Wilson may not mean a lot to you at this point, but trust me, it will very shortly.

Let us go back in time now to the summer of 1953. Mimi and her husband, a medical doctor from Toronto, were crossing the St. Lawrence River on a ferry heading toward Riviere du Loup. On this particular ferry there was a Jeep containing two occupants. This Jeep and it's occupants stood out for a number of reasons, among them, there were two riders, they kept pretty much to themselves, and the Jeep was constructed in a special way that I will not identify here for obvious reasons. Another important aspect of this sighting by Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, was the fact that this Jeep bore Pennsylvania license plates. Upon arrival at Riviere du Loup, this Jeep exited the ferry and proceeded in the direction of the Gaspe' Peninsula.

A few weeks later, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson became aware of the fact that a Jeep of this description had been reported by Wilbert Coffin when he explained his whereabouts to the authorities. He had said he saw it in the woods with the murdered bear hunters when he returned a member of the hunting party to their broken down truck. He was introduced to the occupants of the Jeep as friends of the Lindsey's from Pennsylvania. He also would declare that the license plates on this Jeep were not Quebec plates, however, he could not state for sure where they were from.

The Wilson's, in their desire to aid the investigation contacted The Quebec Provincial Police in Montreal. They relayed their information, and were advised that someone would be back to them . They never received a response from the police, and the next they heard the trial was over and Wilbert Coffin had been convicted of first degree murder.

I will suggest to you, this was not an oversight on the part of the justice ministry of the province of Quebec. It was a planned calculated measure to suppress the evidence that the Wilson's would have given. As a matter of fact, it would have created so much doubt, that the trial most probably would never have taken place.

I do have some news however for the justice ministry. Mimi Wilson is now more determined than ever to have her evidence heard. You will not keep her down this time around. She has a full recollection of her evidence. She conveyed it to me yesterday, in a casual and matter of fact way, consistent with someone telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Mimi Wilson also told me of an incident yesterday that was not only profound, but incredibly touching, in a way that it even brought tears to a crusty old so and so like myself. She told me of a young man of 18 years who left the Ottawa area in 1978 in a Volkswagen camper bus heading for Colorado. This young man disappeared during his journey, and was never heard from again. The family of this young man were frustrated with the lack of interest shown by law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border with respect to this disappearance. It became necessary for the boy's family to investigate it themselves with the help of a private detective. It took a long time. Finally, the trail was completed. This young man had extended a helping hand to two people hitch hiking. They confessed to murdering him. This young man's name was Eric Wilson. Mimi Wilson was his Mom. You may have seen a feature length documentary on this incident. It was titled "Just Another Missing Kid." It won an academy award.

In my books, Mimi Wilson won an academy award with me yesterday. She shares the Coffin family's grief. She told me that. She also said that neither she nor her husband have ever felt that Wilbert Coffin was guilty. As a matter of fact, they have never even had doubts.

People relate many revelations to me. They always have. Maybe I am a good listener, I try to be. It is not always easy though. I related this story to you from Mimi Wilson to display her determination and drive, and her love for mankind. Considering what she has gone through, some in similar circumstances may have taken a different approach. Not Mimi, she knows the Coffin family needs her help right now, and she is prepared to provide it. The Coffin family needs your help right now as well. Let Mimi's coming forward after all these years be your inspiration to do the same thing. Otherwise, you are only protecting a bunch of thugs who did nothing for you, other than scare you into covering their butt's for them. If you know of any event that relates to this case, it is imperative that I hear from you now. This is our last chance.

Lew Stoddard
Posted to site September 26, 2006

In three days I shall be posting another episode of this tale. I have made the decision to share actual letters and correspondence with you from back in the 50's. You will see first hand the lies, the deceit, the dirty tricks of those involved in this tragedy. I will tell you now, some of it is graphic in detail, some of it is potentially damaging and embarassing to both the government of Quebec, and the government of Canada.

Stoddard Online

Stoddard Online Continued from part ten. . . .

Captain Alphonse Matte was a troubled man. True, the past sixteen days had taken it's toll on Wilbert Coffin, however, Matte was no further ahead than he was prior to bringing Wilbert Coffin to the Quebec City jail. In spite of all the torturous treatment hurled in his direction, the English prospector, Wilbert Coffin, from the wilds of the Gaspe' Peninsula showed no signs of breaking. This was not good. It would not sit well with solicitor general Antoine Rivard, and premier Maurice Duplesis. Matte was the top cop. He knew all the tactics, so there would be no excuses. Why then did Wilbert Coffin still have a smile on his face, and Matte had no confession?

The month of August 1953 was fast approaching conclusion. There was a public inquest scheduled for August 27 in Gaspe', so it would be necessary for Captain Matte and his prisoner to return to the peninsula. It would certainly have been a whole lot easier if the Captain were able to return with a confessed murderer in tow. That was not to be, however, the Captain was not throwing in the towel just yet. Plan "A" may have failed, however, plan "B" was already in the works.

Upon their return to Gaspe', Captain Matte made the decision to hold Wilbert Coffin in custody. In reality, and in legal context, Wilbert Coffin should have been freed from custody. There was no confession on his part, nor had Captain Matte managed to acquire evidence that would point to Wilbert Coffin's guilt. Equally important, is the fact that no evidence was uncovered during the interrogations that would implicate Wilbert Coffin as one with knowledge of the crime of murder in the Gaspe' woods. True, Wilbert Coffin had in his possession some minor items that he had admitted to taking from the victims truck in the forest, however, it is important to note that the knowledge of these items had come about as a result of Wilbert's voluntary admission to Sgt. Henri Doyon of the Quebec Provincial Police. In no way, was this fact uncovered as a result of any police investigation. He had done this purely to advance the investigation of the three victims, and to cooperate fully with the search for the bodies of the two younger victims. It should further be noted that if robbery had been in the mind of Wilbert Coffin, then why would he have left behind items with a far superior value than those which he had in his possession? In spite of all this, Wilbert Coffin would remain a prisoner of the province of Quebec. Captain Alphonse Matte was again calling the shots.

There is an old adage that says,"we get what we pay for'" True words? Yes they are. The same rule applies whether we are purchasing a product, or purchasing a professional service. Wilbert Coffin's legal defense lends credence to this.

Donald Coffin, to his credit recognized early on when Wilbert was arrested that his brother was badly in need of legal advice. Donald employed the services of local lawyer Alphonse Garneau Jr. to look after Wilbert's interests. Mr. Garneau tried without success to gain access to his client. This was denied as Captain Matte stated that Wilbert currently was not charged with anything, and thus, they would not allow the lawyer to speak to him. Mr. Garneau sent Wilbert a telegram, however, it was intercepted by Captain Raoul Sirois, and he would later state that he personally delivered it to Premier Maurice Duplessis, and as a result , it doesn't take a mountain of intelligence to deduce that the telegram never reached the hands of the intended recipient. Mr. Garneau's tenure as Wilbert Coffin's lawyer was short lived. As soon as Wilbert was moved to Quebec, Donald Coffin, and Bill Baker, who was co-owner of the Baker Hotel advised Mr. Garneau that he was no longer the lawyer for Wilbert Coffin. Presumably, the decision to terminate Garneau was because of his inability to prevent Wilbert Coffin being moved to Quebec.

The search was now on for a replacement lawyer for Wilbert Coffin. The new lawyer would emerge through an unusual chain of events. Research shows that Albert Coffin, the father of Wilbert was a superintendent in forestry operations in the Gaspe' region. Through the forestry industry, Albert knew a lumberman on the Gaspe' coast named Maher. Though now living in Quebec City, Mr. Maher approached Albert Coffin and informed him that he had a son named Raymond who had graduated from law school four years previous. He suggested that Raymond may be able to render much needed assistance for his son. Raymond had impressive credentials and appeared to be part of the higher echelon of Quebec City life. As well, Raymond was not an unknown in the Gaspe' area, as he also knew Bill Baker. What was unknown though to Albert Coffin, was the fact that Raymond Maher's father had close personal ties to Premier Maurice Duplessis, and as well, was a staunch supporter of The Union Nationalle Party, as was son Raymond. There is room for speculation here. There is also room to ask the question, Was this a cooked up deal? Was it a planned calculated ploy, or was it coincidential? You be the judge, however, you will learn very quickly in the story there are many events that lend support to the calculated ploy theory.

Throughout this story, you will recall that I have repeatedly exposed many twists and turns. August 27, 1953 would be another of those days in the life and saga of Wilbert Coffin. Little did Wilbert know, the biggest and deadliest snare of all was being set for him on this day. This time, Captain Matte and crew would control the trap. The way that it had been set up, there could be only one winner, and that would be Premier Maurice Duplessis, represented by Captain Alphonse Matte and his crew.

This would be the day that a new player in the drama would arrive on the scene. Coincidentially, this was also the day that Dr. Lionel Rioux, the area coroner would hold his public inquest. The new player on the scene was none other than Noel Dorion, a deputy attorney general with the province of Quebec. Mr. Dorion shared a close political and personal alliance with Premier Maurice Duplessis, and thus, he would assume the role of chief prosecutor.

In the normal course of events, the prosecutor comes on the scene after evidence is collected and a formal charge is recommended to the crown. It is then the responsibility of that prosecutor to put the facts of a case together and carry it through to the court room in an effort to gain a conviction for the crown, in this case, the province of Quebec. This case would be different. One could easily put forth the argument that a sense of normality was seriously lacking from day one, and therefore, to expect anything different would be a total disappointment.

Dr. Rioux had the plans for his public inquest all laid out. Looking ahead, he was certain that the results of the inquest would allay all the rumours and misconceptions around the area about the case. He was going to publicly question Wilbert Coffin, whom he was certain was innocent of the crime. This would help to restore to the community, belief that Wilbert Coffin was innocent and that the real killers still lurked out there in the shadows. Dr. Rioux had personally sought and hand picked six responsible people from the area to act as inquest jurors. The jury was made up of Lloyd Annett, Lewis Miller, Owen Patterson, Gabriel Bernard, Wharrel Annett, and Lloyd Kruse. This assembly, guided by Dr. Lionel Rioux would be the panel that would decide the verdict after the inquest evidence was presented. If this sounds routine, I suggest that you read on.

As stated earlier, the prosecutor normally comes into the picture after evidence has been collected and studied, and recommendations to the crown have been made by the investigating authorities. Not this time though. Remember, we are talking back woods justice here, where manipulation is the order of the day. Without doubt, superlatives to describe the events of what you are about to read are lacking in Webster's dictionary. Prior to commencement of the proceedings, Prosecutor Noel Dorion approaches Dr. Rioux and informs him emphatically, he is not to put Wilbert Coffin on the inquest witness stand.

The hour has arrived for Dr. Lionel Rioux. It is now time for Dr. Rioux to stand tall, and inform prosecutor Dorion to shut up, get out of the way, sit down, or get his butt out of the court room. Dr. Rioux takes this route, right? I suggest you read on. Dr. Rioux is about to display the fact that as coroner and leader, in my view, he was not capable of carrying out his oath of office which stated that he would conduct a fair and impartial hearing. Dr. Rioux would have quickly assessed his situation. The question in his mind would quite probably have been, do I bend to Dorion's request which he did not agree with, or do I send him packing, and risk my job position? Dr. Rioux chose to take the weak route, and as a result, Wilbert Coffin was denied the chance to explain his movements pertaining to any evidence against him.

Throughout this exchange, Raymond Maher, the new defense lawyer did little to sway the decision. It was largely left to be an exchange between the presiding coroner, and the prosecutor who had no legal right to be there presenting arguments in the first place. This inquest was representative of the case thus far from the beginning, a complete sham.

Wilbert Coffin was denied hearing much of the inquest evidence. For much of the time he was held outside in the parking lot in a police car attended by three police officers. When he was allowed to be in the inquiry room, he was seated amongst spectators. This way, public perception would not be that he was in custody. During the course of the inquest, Albert Coffin, the father of Wilbert, would request that he be able to speak with his son. He had after all, been denied permission to speak with Wilbert since prior to the police taking him to Quebec City. Surprizingly, Captain Matte, after considering the request, granted permission for a father and son conversation, however, he gave orders to the attending constables that they were to eavesdrop on the conversation, and report the contents back to him. This conversation will be revealed later in the story as the crown presents it as evidence at the upcoming trial.

All was finally said and done, the inquest jury had heard the evidence presented. It was now time for the jury to retire to the jury room to consider the verdict. Prosecutor Noel Dorion and Captain Alphonse Matte were riding high. They had managed to control this proceeding from the onset. They could wait a few more minutes for the finality of it all. They were confident that the jury would return soon with a finding conducive with their overall plan.

Finally the climax of the day was upon the inquest setting. In simple language, the verdict rendered was not what Noel Dorion and Captain Alphonse Matte wanted to hear. The verdict merely identified the three victims, and went on to state that all three met their deaths in a way that was unnatural, and met their deaths, at the hands of a person or persons unknown. Prosecutor Noel Dorion sprang to action. He demanded from coroner Lionel Rioux that he be allowed to address the jury away from the ears of the public. Defense lawyer Raymond Maher on the other hand, made no objections whatsoever. He probably did not care . It is documented that for the most part, he was drunk at the proceedings anyway. He merely stated that he would accept whatever decision was made with reference to Noel Dorion addressing the jury.

In any legal proceeding, the jury room is that special enclosure set apart from the everyday activities of life. It is private, it is secure, and for the most part, it is off limits to lawyers and officials, other than judges and presiding officers such as coroners who may have to clarify a point of law to a jury. This must be what it is like, because that is the way it looks on television. Again folks, read on, and you will see how a back woods coroner covers his butt when pushed into a tight spot.

Coroner Lionel Rioux, prosecutor Noel Dorion, and defense lawyer Raymond Maher accompanied the inquest jury back to the jury room. This jury room consisted of a blanket draped over a length of rope. Picture it this way folks. Most of us have attended as a patient to an emergency ward in a hospital at one time or another. They pull those sheets around you to shield your bed from the open areas, and as well, from the patient in the next bed. The sheet does not do a good job of shielding voices. You can hear the patient tell the doctor what he had for breakfast. That is the way the jury room was set up, in other words, nothing was secret.

Prosecutor Dorion tells the jury that he has in his pocket a paper, which states that Wilbert Coffin will be charged with murder, no matter what the finding of the jury would be. Of course, defense lawyer Maher will challenge Dorion to produce the paper, right? No, he does not. He merely states that he will accept any decision that is rendered. Again, coroner Lionel Rioux has his chance. Does he speak up? Not at all. Prosecutor Noel Dorion now takes complete control of the inquest process. He states that it is absolutely imperative that the jury reconsider it's verdict and return a decision that will implicate Wilbert Coffin as the perpetrator of this crime. The jury, like a flock of lost sheep, looked to the shepherd for guidance. Lionel Rioux, once again offers no resistence. The jury deliberates once again and the new verdict is then rendered. The jury finds that Richard Lindsey and Fred Claar, found dead in the woods of Gaspe', were murdered. It was the finding of the inquest jury that Wilbert Coffin be held responsible for these deaths.

The inquest in this case serves to remind what the results of a flawed process can wreak upon society, when a group of weak jurists, led by an inept public official, such as in this case, a public coroner, is allowed to flourish.

Lew Stoddard

Posted to site September 17, 2006

The next posting will detail the preliminary hearing at Perce, Quebec, and forward to the murder trial of Wilbert Coffin

Stoddard Online

Stoddard Online

S P E C I A L N O T I C E

As you are aware, it becomes necessary occasionally to halt the story for a day or so in order to announce pertinent facts and announcements, with reference to the Wilbert Coffin Case. This is another of those times. As I have told you in the past, The Association In Defense Of The Wrongly Convicted (AIDWYC) have agreed to provide the legal assistance necessary to present arguments in favor of a review of the Wilbert Coffin case.

Please take note that Elisabeth Widner will be in the Gaspe' region on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 12th and the 13th on a fact finding mission, and talking with folks who may have information pertinent to the case. If you would like to speak with Elisabeth, she would be most pleased to hear from you. If you wish to speak and remain anonymous, rest assured, you will be accommodated.

You can arrange to speak with Elisabeth through this site, or alternately, you may reach Cynthia Patterson. The e-mail addresses are provided below for your convenience.
lewisstoddard@telus.net
ruraldignity@globetrotter.net

Thank you so much for your consideration, and as I have said many times in the past, if we all work together as a team, this case will get sorted out.

Lew Stoddard
posted to site September 11, 2006

Stoddard Online

Stoddard Online Continued from part nine. . .

Upon his arrival with Sgt. Jean-Charles VanHoote from his camp in the woods, Wilbert Coffin voluntarily made himself available to the investigators. His theory was simple, in his mind he had nothing to hide, so there was no reason to be uncooperative. Over the next three days, this theory, on the part of Wilbert Coffin, was a real bone of contention. Captain Alphonse Matte wanted results and he wanted them now. Wilbert Coffin maintained his stance with an unwavering explanation of details. Captain Matte called him a liar, and vowed to get him.

Without doubt Captain Matte was calling the shots. There was simply no way that some back woods prospector from the Gaspe' Peninsula was going to win over Captain Alphonse Matte. He would dwell for hours on Wilbert Coffin's explanation of events. He twisted, he manipulated, and resorted to every form of interrogation that he knew, all to no avail. Wilbert Coffin was not budging. It was indeed a slap in the face for the stalwart Captain. He was after all, touted as being the province's toughest cop. That was precisely why he was in Gaspe'. He could not fail, because to fail, would be admitting that he could not stand up to the pedestal that Duplessis had placed him on.

August 10, 1953 would prove to be a turning point for Captain Matte and his investigation. He placed a telephone call to the solicitor general for Quebec, Antoine Rivard. He informed Mr. Rivard that he was arresting Wilbert Coffin, and holding him as a material witness. Rivard's response was swift and sure, do whatever you have to do, but bring this affair to conclusion without further delay, as the premier is getting restless, and the American administration is getting into the act again. John Foster Dulles, representating the American interests in the case, through the Consul General is putting heat on Ottawa according to Rivard, and it is reverberating down the back of Premier Duplessis. True to his word, on August 11, 1953, Captain Alphonse Matte arrested Wilbert Coffin and placed him in a cell. Wilbert Coffin would never walk a free man in his native home town again.

It was obvious to the police that Wilbert Coffin was not going to break easy. Captain Matte issued the order and sent a team of officers to retrace Wilbert's journey to Montreal. It would not be an easy task. It was some weeks after the fact, so in many cases deceit and manipulation would be the order of the day. Words would have to be planted in the mouths of witnesses along the way. This will become evident later in the story when Wilbert Coffin's murder trial commences in Perce.

Let us take stock for a moment here and reflect upon the case thus far. Three sets of human remains have been found in the woods of Gaspe'. They have been identified. They have been declared murdered. Exact cause of death cannot be established due to the condition of the remains. There is no murder weapon. There are no known witnesses. It is not known for sure if they were all killed in the same place and transported, or if they were killed singularly and independently of each other. It would require thousands of hours of old fashioned police work and a team of investigators who knew what they were doing. Simply and clearly, it was more prudent in Captain Matte's mind to take the path of least resistance. That path of least resistance would be Wilbert Coffin, or so he thought. After all, Wilbert Coffin, according to the authorities, was the last person known to have seen these people prior to their deaths.

It is a generally accepted practise within law enforcement agencies to pick a piece of key evidence in an investigation, and then branch out and gather all supporting evidence in order to reinforce the case. It is evident in the Coffin affair, there was no piece of key evidence to be had. True, there was a case, but the case lacked the key element, known as evidence. Anything that Captain Matte had that would resemble evidence, would be nothing more than minor details that would never support a charge of murder.

After a couple of days of grilling in Gaspe', Captain Matte decided that his best approach would be to move Wilbert Coffin to Quebec City, where Wilbert could be exposed to a more "professional" atmosphere. There in Gaspe', Wilbert Coffin had too many close ties to everyone, and sentiments were running very high in his favor. This was no good. Wilbert Coffin must be viewed as someone evil in Matte's mind, because in his home town, Wilbert was still the happy go lucky guy that everyone knew and trusted as a friend. Captain Alphonse Matte was determined to change all that.

Under a veil of secrecy, Captain Matte and crew moved Wilbert Coffin to the small Haldimand airstrip a short distance from the town of Gaspe'. It was pre-arranged that the aircraft would pick them up at the end of the runway, away from any who might recognize what was happening, and at the same time, avoid a throng of reporters who had descended on the Gaspe' area.

A few hours later Captain Matte and Wilbert Coffin arrived in Quebec City. Wilbert was immediately housed in the Quebec city jail, whereby a cell would be his home for the next two weeks. Captain Matte would now be thinking, finally I have you where I want you. No longer would he have to be concerned with the thin walls of an interrogation room at the Baker Hotel back in Gaspe'. No longer would he have to worry about the friendship between Wilbert Coffin and Sgt. Henri Doyon of The Quebec Provincial Police. Wilbert Coffin was now his, and his alone, or so he thought.

Those of us familiar with military interrogation methods know there is a strict set of guidelines pertaining to the extraction of information from a prisoner. In many cases, ordinary folk would view some of these methods as extreme and severe, however, we are talking about war zones and battle, and all the other bad things associated with war and prisoners. It is prudent to point out, prisoners of war, their conduct, and the methods of interrogation are governed by a strict set of guidelines, as laid out by the Geneva Convention. You will soon see and understand the quandary that Wilbert Coffin was now in. The brutality of his treatment, would soon surpass that experienced by many prisoners of war who have the Geneva Convention as their shield. Wilbert coffin had no such shield, it was strictly him amongst the enemy.

For days on end, Wilbert was subjected to relentless verbal pounding and abuse. He was asked the same questions over and over. He was routinely placed under a 500 watt light for hours on end, to the point of causing temporary blindness. As bait, the interrogaters would place a glass of water in front of him on a table, or they may place a cigarette there. When he would reach for whatever was placed there, it would be yanked back. From behind his back, he would be grabbed by his hair and his head pulled back. This would go on for hours on end, sometimes as much as eighteen hours per day. He would be returned to his cell to sleep, and in very short order, there they were again to resume where they had left off. This would go on for sixteen days. On one occasion, one of those involved in the interrogation grabbed Wilbert by the arm from behind his chair. That was a mistake for the investigator, even in Wilbert's weakened condition. Wilbert reached up, grabbed the investigator by the arm, who by now had taken an aeronautical approach to the situation as Wilbert flipped him up over his back and into the air. These things that I tell you are not the result of an overactive imagination. This is taken from documented information from the jailer and guards of the jail at Quebec who witnessed the abuse and torturous treatment of Wilbert Coffin. Without doubt, they were unanimous in their belief that Wilbert Coffin was an innocent man.

Captain Matte had more than met his match. Though his methods were cruel and barbaric, Wilbert Coffin stood tall and steadfast. The troubling aspect of it for the Captain was that throughout the intense abusive treatment thrust upon him, Wilbert Coffin always kept one of his greatest attributes intact. That was his boyish smile.

Lew Stoddard

Posted to site September o6, 2006

The next posting will cover the return to Gaspe' and the ill fated public inquest of August 27, 1953, which will showcase the weak Dr. Lionel Rioux as coroner, and lead to the preliminary hearing and the trial of Wilbert Coffin in Perce, Quebec.