Stoddard Online

R E G I N A

VS

C O F F I N

In any murder prosecution, the cause of death and the murder weapon are key components to proving the case against the accused. In the absense of both, it becomes a much greater challenge. This is where hypothesis, and the ability to convince a jury without evidence, places untold pressures on a prosecution team. This is where a dead beat defense lawyer is the best friend that a prosecutor has in the courtroom.

Such was the position of lead prosecutor Noel Dorion. True, he had a victim. The defendant, Mr. Wilbert Coffin was charged with murder in the death of this victim, identified as Richard Lindsey from Pennsylvania. Though not charged with their murders, Mr. Coffin was as well implicated in the murders of two other victims, namely, Eugene Lindsey, and Frederick Claar, also from Pennsylvania.

Noel Dorion would be forced to use everything at his disposal in order to convince the jury on a cause of death, complimented by the identity of a murder weapon. Prior to the introduction of his evidence, Mr. Dorion was careful in his address to the jury. He explained at length the crime scene, the body parts, and was specific as to the cause of death. Noel Dorion would explain that the death of the victim came as a result of being shot by a firearm. At this time, Noel Dorion was taking no chances. Systematically he described in detail. He referred to a firearm repeatedly, and how it caused the death.

At this point in the trial Mr. Dorion presented the autopsy reports on behalf of the victims. This is what defense lawyer Maher should have been waiting for. There would indeed be plenty of room here for good cross examination, as the provincial pathologist, Dr. Marie Charles Roussell, and the forensics doctor for Quebec would be giving evidence for the crown.

You will recall that I have shown you the autopsy reports some time ago in order to establish the quality of information garnered for this case. Prior to discussing the testimony of Dr. Roussell and the forensics doctor, I am posting the autopsy reports for you to look at in relation to the trial and how they should fit into place.

I will warn you, some of you may find these reports disturbing as they are depicting human beings who lost their lives under very disturbing circumstances. It is necessary that documents such as these be produced in a court of law, because they form a very vital factor in the equation which should help balance guilt with innocence. As with other documents from this case, translation from French to English was necessary, and thus, grammatical errors sometimes occur. I ask your forgiveness. Here are the autopsy reports of Eugene Lindsey, Richard Lindsey, and Frederick Claar.

LABORATORY OF LEGAL MEDICINEAND POLICE TECHNIQUE
443 St. Vincent Street
MONTREAL, August 4 1953

EXPERT REPORT
Re. The disappearance of three hunters at Gaspé- June-July 1953-bones of Camp 24.

Last July 15, at the request of M.Charland, directeur-adjoint suppléant of the Surety Provincial of Quebec, I went to Gaspé, so as to examine the bones that were discovered in the woods, about 60 miles from Gaspé.

During the day of July 17, accompanied by Sergeant Doyon, of the local station, of the Surety Provincial Police, I transported myself to the same spot, designated by the name "Camp 24."

At this place, near a little river, an incomplete skeleton was found, and partly dislocated, to which adhered some malodorous scraps of skin.
The preliminary examination shows that it was only the bones of a single person, contrary to that which was believed at first; the bones were placed in a box and taken to Gaspé for a more detailed examination.

RESULTS OF THE EXAMINATION
Description of the Bones: - The bones are completely stripped of the muscles that were attached and are more or less disjoined; the head and the sides are missing.
The extremities of the upper limbs are relatively intact; the skin of the hands is of a blackish brown color, of a wrinkled consistency and in appearance somewhat mummified; the nails are long and rough.
The following bones then form the incomplete skeleton:
part of the spinal column
the two scapulas
the left clavicle
the bones of the complete upper limbs: humerus, cubitus, radius, wrists and hands
the pelvis comprising of the bones of the iliac and the sacrum, but without the coccyx
the bones of the complete lower limbs
Determination of Sex: - The size even of the bones, the marked relief of muscular insertions, the dimension of the pelvis and the force of the obturate holes are those that leave no doubt on the masculine sex of the bones.
Determination of the Size: The measurements of the bones of the members gave the following values:
- left femur 181/4" or 46, 35 cms
-right femur idem; (?)
-right tibia 14-5/8" or 37 cms
-right humerus 13-3/8" or 34 cms
When referring to the anthropomorphic table establishing the length of bones following the sizes, we obtain the following correspondences:
-left femur 463,5 mm – size 170,6 cms
-tibia 370,0 mm – " 168,5 cms
-humerus 340,0 mm - " 173,0cms
The means of the size corresponding to these three long bones is 170,7 cms, being 5 feet 71/2 inches.
The method of the coefficients gives us similar results:
-femur 483,5 mm x 3,66 = size: 169,64 cms
-tibia 370,0 mm x 4,53 = " 166,71 cms
- humerus 340,0 mm x 5,06 = " 172,04 cms
Average of the size: 170,1 cms, being about 5 feet, 7 inches.
Determination of Age: With the absence of the cranium, the only means to appreciate the age of the person who had the bones consists in the research of the degree of ossification of different parts of the skeleton.
Radiography demonstrates a complete welding of the epiphyses ( extremities) of
the long bones of the members, a welding likewise supplements the iliac peak with the pelvic bone and as well a welding of the crown vertebrae, the ones with the others.
And also, the presence of small osteophytes on the level of certain bones and evident signs of arthritis in the articulations of the thumb of the right hand, indicating that this isn’t the bones of a young man or adolescent and that we are in the presence of the skeleton of an adult of middle age.
Determination of Cause of Death: Except for the ( grugement)? spongy end of certain bones of the skeleton, the exam didn’t reveal any trace of significant violence, on the bones at our disposition; it is then impossible, in the circumstances, to confirm the existence of violence of vital origin.
The complete disappearance of the internal organs and other soft parts of the skeleton prevents us from establishing the cause of death.
Summary:
The bones found at Camp "24" are those of a man of middle age, measuring about 5 foot 7 inches tall.
The desiccation and the parchment of the skin and the soft tissue of the two hands indicate that death occurred at the minimum of one month.

J.M. Roussel, M.D.
Medical Examiner
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NOTE ON THE PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS MADE BY DR. J. MARIE ROUSSEL, MEDICAL EXAMINER: 25-7-53

SKELETON "A"
Skeleton found 75’ from camp 26. (It was in a wood box (Dynamex) and included the bones of the cranium.)
Lower maxilla
All the vertebrae except one
18 sides
2 scapulas
2 clavicles
2 humerus, cabitus, and right radius
2 bones of the pelvis
2 femurs
Tibias and right fibulas
Tibias and left fibulas

NOTE: The bones of the lower maxillas are partially corroded and it is impossible to make a precise measurement.
Measurements: Left humerus: 33.5 cms or 13 3/16"
Left cubitus: 26.5 cms or 10 3/8"
Right humerus: 22.5 cms or 12 ¾"
Or 33.5 or 13 3/16" without measured angle
Right cubitus: 26.5 cms or 10 3/8
Right radius: 24.5 cms or 9 5/8"
CRANIUM:
Jagged (indented?) sutures (joinings?) evident everywhere past traces of ossification.
TEETH: Lower maxillas healthy natural teeth with no obvious decay, except in the line space of the right interior incisor medians. First lower left molars missing.
Upper maxillas: bad establishment of the right incisor (retreating). The first large left molar missing as well as the right.
BONE OF THE PELVIS: The iliac ridge is not definitely welded. With the tip of the pelvis that which indicates an age lower than twenty years.

CLOTHES:
A pair of black leather boots with the soles sewn with two rows of thread and two rows of copper rivets under the boots, and also a strap with buckles around the hoses, size about 8.
Trousers probably brown with a tinted red leather belt with a series of oblique marks and a buckle with the initial "R".
A handkerchief with brown and green edges and the second with finer stripes.
A white sweatshirt with the name " Hollidaysburg Tigers " on top of the figure of a tiger.
A sport shirt tinted green marked Sportop washable, size "S-14-14 ½" with two pockets in the front on the right and the left.
A windbreaker or red and black checked shirt marked " Woolrich ", size 15 zipper and two pockets in the front.
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SKELETON "B"
Pelvis with lumbar column and last cervical vertebras and 7 dorsal, vestiges of four sides, I free side with diaphise part of two femurs whose extremities are notched, diaphise tibia dr. notched.

CLOTHING:

1 plaid waistcoat red and black checked marked Woolrich with two sleeves turned out + (can’t read words written here)
1 pair of blue jeans, two pockets turned out
1 undershirt marked "Croftman" size No. 42
1 T-shirt red, large, Penney’s
1 left boot brown leather laced with eyelets, soles of black rubber neoprene, oil resisting, size 11.
25-7-53
Gaspé
/jvc
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NOTES of DR. ROUSSEL
(27-7-53)


CLOTHING:

Red waistcoat property of T-shirt marked Penny’s, 2 circular perforations measuring 7/16" to 1/2 " in diameter distance of 2 " located at the left anterior face of the thorax, a little on the left and in the lower part of the left center.
Circular perforations similar to the preceding ones located right face anterior of thorax 1" in inside of the seam of the sleeve at the level of the right pectoral area.
Large ovalaire (oval shaped?) perforation measuring about 1" long by 5 lines high situated with the anterior face of the thorax at the same level as the former at 1" to the right of the center line.
4 or 5 perforations or tears on the posterior right side of the sweater in the line of the armpit.

CHECKED JACKET
Checked jacket red and black Woolrich with chamois sleeves. One notes 2 perforations through the anterior pocket and the left side of the windbreaker.
Perforations or tears in the seam or junction between the right sleeve and the jacket (corresponding to the perforations like on the T-shirt.)
Tear close to the neck (collar) of the jacket at about 2 ½" with the top of the upper snap button corresponding to the ( ovalaire?) oval? tear noted on the T-shirt.

CLOTHING "A"
Red and black checked jacket with zipper- perforation in the upper left region at 3 ¼" from the 3" in the line of the center and 4" with the top of the higher edge of the upper anterior pocket and to 5" to the lower part of the seam of the shoulder

GREEN SHIRT:
Circular perforation at 3 ½" to the left of the centerline 5" of the lower part of the seam of the shoulder.

WHITE T-SHIRT:
Perforation at the edge shredded with the upper left region of the thorax ( or..could read…" shredded perforation at the edge of the upper left region of the thorax?) at 5 ½" of the center line and 4" below the seam of the shoulder surrounded by a zone of reddish color apparently ( tituée?) caused? by blood – No corresponding perforation in the back

.
NOTE:
The three clothing carry to the dorsal area dte? near the middle about 4" in the lower part of the lower seam of the sleeve, a circular perforation not found on the anterior front

**********

It is interesting to note, that at no time does the medical examiner suggest that the wounds originated as a result of a firearm. This fact is particularly important as prosecutors Dorion and Michelon would refer throughout the trial to the victims as having been shot to death.

Further, one should also note that the assumptions of gunshot wounds were made in the absense of flesh remaining on the skeletons, no broken bones that would surely have resulted from being shot numerous times, and as well, no bullets or bullet fragments, and no spent cartridge cases could be located in the area surrounding the skeletal remains of any of the victims. The theory that the victims were shot to death is nothing more than an "add on" by the prosecution to instill a cause of death to the jury.

True, there was an indent and some damage to one bone located. The provincial forensic specialist testified that it could have been made by a gunshot wound. The defense did make a half hearted attempt here at cross examination. When pressed for further scientific evidence that the marks on the bone were caused by a firearm, he was quick to add that the marks could have been made by the teeth of an animal.

With the revelation that the marks on the bone could have been made by a forest animal, the firearm theory should have been in very serious peril. Was it? Of course not, because defense lawyer Maher, probably nursing a hangover from the night before, couldn't discern the path separating success from failure. If the heat in this trial was ever going to be turned up to where the defense could have taken complete control, this would have been the time. The autopsy reports made that possible.

I am no lawyer. If however, I can spot these things fifty-three years after the fact, then the judiciary of the day, including defense lawyers, prosecution lawyers, and the police were very seriously lacking in their abilities to do the job for which they were charged to do. In the normal course of events, that may be acceptable, but where a human life hangs in the balance based on the decisions and actions of officials, then society is not well served.

I have talked about this before, and I shall talk of it again, and most probably, I shall talk of it until the day that I die. I have reason to believe, and I do believe that Richard Lindsey and Frederick Claar did not die because of gunshot wounds. Why do I dwell on that you might ask? I dwell on it because the autopsy reports tell me that they did not die of gunshot wounds.

The autopsy reports tell me that circular perforations with diameters of 7/16 inch to 1/2 inch diameters were found in the clothing of both victims. That is the most compelling information in the reports, and yet, I can find absolutely no reference by anyone to this information other than the professional who filed the report. This is sad and embarassing. I expect more from the judiciary.

In 1953 and forward to this day, the three major ammunition manufacturers in North America were Winchester, Remington, and Canadian Industries Ltd. of Montreal. Did the prosecution have experts from these companies giving evidence? Of course they did not, and it is perfectly explainable as to why they did not. If they had, the jury would have very quickly learned that there was not, and never had been a cartridge manufactured that would even come close in size to 7/16 inch and 1/2 inch diameter.

As I have stated previously, with no bullet or bullet fragments, and no spent cartridge cases, there is strong reason to suspect that Richard Lindsey and Frederick Claar died by stabbing. This would account for the variations in diameters. I gave an example of a round bayonet which at it's thickest point is approximately 1/2 inch diameter, tapering to a sharp point. There are possibilities of similar objects to be sure, however, at this point the actual weapon is not important.

This would also account for the fact that Richard Lindsey's rifle muzzle was filled with mud and debris. If he was stabbed from behind, he would have lurched forward, which would have embeded the muzzle into the ground. Again, the question, did the defense raise these concerns, and question the forensic specialist on the possibilities? Of course Mr. Maher did not. Had these questions arose,instantly the theory that these victims died of gunshot wounds would be down the toilet.

If approached properly, the jury would have also learned there was a reason as to why there were no traces of potassium nitrate. There are two reasons. Firstly, potassium nitrate deposits would have been impossible because as I stated, there were no gunshot wounds in the first place, and secondly, if there had been gunshot wounds made from 30 calibre cartridges, there would be no potassium nitrate deposits simply because they did not contain potassium nitrate.

It is okay to ask me at this point how do I know all this stuff. I know it because I have taken the time to research and investigate. Ammunition manufacturers were happy to provide me with details of bullet diameters, bullet weights, trajectories, and ballistics in general. They would have done that back in 1954 as well, if someone had gotten off their butts and checked it out. Additionally, I sought assistance from firearms professionals, and from forensic folks from other police forces. These questions, if applied by the defense in the court, would have sent the prosecution into a tailspin that would have landed them in a smouldering pile of rubble.

I have focused on this one aspect of the trial in this posting because it was a matter of utmost importance, and yet, it occupied such a small part of total court time. The case could have been won here for the defense. The prosecution knew that. The prosecution was smart. They knew when to leave it alone, and focus on the small things. They were able to manipulate the jury, unimpeded by the defense. The prosecution suggested the victims were shot by a handgun, probably by a 38 Special.

Wilbert Coffin had brought back a war souvenir from Europe. It was a German Model P38, 9mm calibre semi automatic handgun. Rest assured, had the prosecution been unable to prove the whereabouts of this pistol when the murders took place, they would have named the pistol from the war as the murder weapon. Suddenly the 9mm would have become the calibre used in the crime.

It is unfortunate that you have to learn of these things so long after the event took place. You did not read of any of this ballistics stuff in the newspapers, or hear of it on your TV or radio. The stuff that you heard was the same stuff day after day, year after year. They are still telling the same stories to this day. Journalists did not get off their duffs and get out there and chase a story down. They simply re-wrote what had already been written, or said, what had already been said. None of them followed with interviews with ammunition makers, or brought forth questions regarding the reported sizes of the perforations in the clothing.

I commenced investigating this case in April of 2006. I did not do it for my health, and I did not do it for monetary remuneration. I do mean business. I shall not be deterred. I come under fire from large media outlets as a result of this from time to time. That is a teriffic form of encouragement for me. That tells me that I must be touching a few sore spots. Will I relent and ease up and go the route of others who came before and start embellishing the old stories and spicing them up? Not a chance. The truth shall prevail. If it cannot be documented, it will not be published on this site.

Folks, I need not remind you. Time is running out quickly on this case. It is time to stop pussy footing around. It is time to be heard. It is time to make public the suppressed evidence, and the illegal wranglings that were so prevalent.

Our news media across Canada have a duty to report, and report they should do. I am not certain as to how many times I have tried to discuss with media different aspects of this case. I am not just talking about national media here. Some weeks back I even contacted The Spec newspaper on the Gaspe coast. I wanted to bring the local media up to date on a few new revelations about this case. I was assured on two occasions that he would be back to me the next day. I am still waiting.

In frustration, I made an announcement on the GoGaspe website. I got an e-mail from CTV News which astounded me. They were upset because they felt that I was stepping on the media because I had stated that it was apparent that the big media was only interested in the old stuff, in other words, rehashing what has already been said dozens of times. I said that, and I stand by it. I had been told by the gentleman from CTV that due to time restraints they had no time to clutter things with new evidence.

There will be some who will say what I have just told you didn't really happen, but again, as I always say, if I can't back it up with a document, it won't get published on this site. Here is an exerpt from the e-mail.

From: Stephane Giroux To: "'talkbacktome@hotmail.com'" Subject: Coffin affairDate: Thu, 14 Dec 2006 13:13:50 -0500">talkbacktome@hotmail.com>Subject: Coffin affairDate: Thu, 14 Dec 2006 13:13:50 -0500

Dear Lew,

>>I just saw your posting on the GoGaspé web site. I'm a CTV reporter working>on the story. I undestand your frustation with a colleague from the>National Desk who interviewed you last month. However, it's wrong to>dismiss the media for taking a more general approach to the story. After>all, it's media scrutiny that keeps the Coffin story in the limelight.>>After the press conference in Ottawa from the living relatives, we decided>to go back to Gaspé with a camera crew so we could do an actual feature on>new elements in the case, and you will be glad to know that your work and>conversation with my colleague are key to this new story, which will air in>the coming weeks.>>Time constraints prevents us from getting bogged-down to new details of the>investigation.

>Regards,>>Stephane Giroux,

CTV News Montreal.

I am disturbed and upset when I hear of a national news outlet telling me that they have no time for new material to replace old worn out jargon, that for the most part, contained heaps of inaccurate reporting and gibberish.

I do stress however, that I am more than willing to share my information that I have collected with any media who cares to contact me. Our main focus should be to finally exonerate Wilbert Coffin. If a suspect emerges during that process, that is good, however, I implore the police to do their job as well, and bring that person to justice.

This process will entail putting together the new evidence, and as well, presenting what was suppressed many years ago. I am not looking to be a hero, just willing to do my part. Folks keep this in mind, if we don't pull together, we will get bogged down.

Lew Stoddard

Posted to site January 10, 2007

In approximately four daysI shall be posting the conclusion of the trial at Perce, and as well, you will see the 49 part deposition that Wilbert Coffin swore that would have been his evidence on each part had he been allowed to testify. This deposition was made just days before a scheduled execution date.