Stoddard Online

VINTAGE INTERVIEWS.

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THE COFFIN CASE FILES

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Most situations in life are made up of good and bad. In other words, the batter is a mixture of good and evil forces. It is when those evil forces are the result of human manipulation that a very volatile and explosive mixture indeed emerges. Left dormant, those same evil forces etch a permanent veil. Fortunately, through a process of sifting and sorting through the elements, the cream slowly finds it's way to the top, and a whole new conclusion takes shape.
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The Wilbert Coffin drama is a prime example. For the past year I have hammered away at the mixture that I personally believe was master minded by a very corrupt and crooked regime. Left untouched, the conclusion that was railroaded down the throats of Canadians some fifty-three years ago would forever be etched into history.
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I have been advised time and time again in the past year by a variety of people to leave this thing alone. Folks who read this site will recall that it is not uncommon to see comments posted by those expressing negative criticism from many areas of the country. Without doubt, it is those comments that offer me the greatest inspiration to forge onward. To bow out now would be nothing short of endorsement of the warped regime that created the problem in the first place.

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When I embarked upon this journey more than a year ago, I knew there would be pitfalls. I also knew that nothing would happen if I was not prepared to take some heat. I only have to glance at the inscription on my graduation ring from high school to put things into perspective. That inscription reads "Non Palma Sine Labore." Simple translation from Latin into English and it reads "No Success Without Labour."
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Lani Mitchell and myself chase this thing almost daily. We have developed contacts from coast to coast. Every bit of information that comes in is checked in the most minute detail. Nothing is taken for granted. True, we receive much information that has no direct bearing on the case, but that is alright because it comes from well meaning individuals who share a desire to see proper and decent closure. As I have told you countless times, our focus has been pointed in the direction of what we class as information that has either not been previously reported, or information that needs to be enhanced. We have no interest in creating hype or sensationalism. As boring as it sometimes is, we are committed to discovering the truth. That approach will never be compromised.
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During the past week we have been blessed by information that directly affects the investigation of the Wilbert Coffin case. Some of this information we knew a little about, and some of it, we knew nothing about. Some folks would be aware of some of it from years ago, however, I am confident that most who probably read this site would be totally unaware of it's existence. This package was put together in 1961, which takes it back to an era before many of us were born.
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Through one of our contacts we received a series of interviews that were professionally produced. They were shot in black and white on 16mm film, so that gives you some idea of their vintage. They were produced by The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for one of their documentries on the case. The CBC did a great job of helping folks understand the gravity of this case in this production. I convey my gratitude for that and I am sure most others would agree. Compared to fancy video tape of today, the picture quality is not the best cosmetically, however, the audio quality is excellent. Certainly, these interviews provide a whole new perspective on the case compared to what we may have read and heard over the years.
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Obviously, it is not possible to show you the actual interview footage on this web page. I will however, be describing and discussing the interviews. You will note from my descriptions of some of the actual conversations that the level of material ranges from slightly humourous, to disturbing, shocking, and somewhat chilling. Prior to the study of each individual interview, I think you will agree the following names present a fair representation of some of the major players in the case. Agreeably, most of the names are from the defense. It should be noted that others from the prosecution declined the invitation to take part.
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In no particular order, the following constitutes the list of those interviewed. From the defense team, lawyers Raymond Maher, Francois de B Gravel, and Arthur Maloney QC provided extensive interviews with their opinions and interpretations. Police officer Lewis Sinnett provided information that many will find shocking. John Beliveau and Jacques Hebert who wrote and investigated the case extensively will offer some very good insight as to how the case materialized, and what went wrong with it. The Reverend Sam Pollard who was the padre at Bordeaux Jail in Montreal provides extensive information detailing the six months that he was associated with Wilbert Coffin prior to the execution. I found that interview to be particularly touching, as I am sure you will agree when I provide you with the details.
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From the tone of her voice, it is understandable the bitterness that Marion Petrie exhibits in her interview. The one person who would complete her family circle is now being wrenched from her in a particularly barbaric fashion, and she is powerless to do anything about it. Her comments will reflect the hurt and anguish that she is suffering.
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The interview circle would not be complete without hearing from family members in Wilbert Coffin's family. I shall be detailing to you the contents of an interview with an aging grandmotherly type lady, with tears in her eyes and much sadness in her heart. This lady's name is Jessie Coffin, who is the mother of Wilbert Coffin. As you will see, it is Jessie Coffin who was left to pick up the pieces and move forward subsequent to a very traumatic event, which would oversee that which was necessary after the execution.
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I will pick up the story now beginning with the interview with lawyer Raymond Maher. I have taken the opportunity to view this interview on six different occasions. Raymond Maher was put on the spot in several instances by the interviewer. Very carefully, I viewed his body language. In my view, his eyes were puffy and he exhibited those characteristics normally associated with alcohol consumption. His answers did not appear to me to be "matter of fact." He appeared driven in his desire to convince others of his "professional" approach to the case.
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In my view, Mr. Maher was stretching the truth to the outer limits on several occasions as to his reasoning for certain decisions that he made during the course of Wilbert Coffin's trial. He states emphatically that he had a total of eighty-two witnesses that he was prepared to call for the defense. Clearly and simply, I do not believe him. I am not convinced that he had one witness lined up, in spite of his claim to have nearly seven dozen of them. The claim that Mr. Maher makes in the interview was simply that he chose to not call any witnesses because the prosecution had not won their case. Pressed on the issue, Mr. Maher states that given the same set of circumstances, his decision to call no witnesses would be the same.
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Lawyer Maher states in his interview that he was convinced of Wilbert Coffin's innocence. He goes on to say that he investigated the case for two years. At no time does he detail this investigation, as to what he did or who he talked with, and again I seriously question that particular statement.
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In my view, Raymond Maher's statements pertaining to appeals and the possibility of getting Wilbert Coffin's sentence commuted to life in prison through getting the federal government involved was at best, cruel and unusual. At this particular point of time, Raymond Maher turns on his client, Wilbert Coffin. I found Mr. Maher's statements here to be disgusting. I believe that Maher emerges as the hunter here and Wilbert Coffin is his quarry.
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You will recall that earlier on in the story, Wilbert Coffin had decided to voluntarily make a deposition while he was in the Bordeaux Jail awaiting execution. This sworm statement by Wilbert Coffin was his way of proclaiming to the court and government his evidence, and his rebuttal to claims made by the prosecution and certain witnesses. This sworn deposition by Mr. Coffin was casual, candid, and more importantly, the information was expressed from the heart and volunteerarily rendered. Mr. Maher goes on to say that in his view, this deposition could be construed as an admission of guilt. He further states that he had it reviewed by different agencies including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and they concured with his belief. Again, I do not believe Raymond Maher when he makes this statement.
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Upon careful study of the complete interview, it is my belief that Mr. Maher is doing nothing more than attempting to justify to the public and other officials his judgment in calling no witnesses and refusing to let his client, Wilbert Coffin testify at trial. To remind any of you who have followed this case since I commenced writing the story, it was Maher's refusal to let Wilbert Coffin testify that Mr. Coffin felt compelled to swear the deposition in the first place. To sum up, I am not of the opinion that Raymond Maher served Wilbert Coffin well.
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Raymond Maher laid the blame for the charging and convicting of Wilbert Coffin on the government and the fact that the American administration were putting pressure on. That is a great statement, but the question is, why did Raymond Maher not allude to this fact during the trial? It made little sense for him to dwell on it five years after Wilbert Coffin was executed. This same Raymond Maher had the nerve to state in his interview that if the victims had been Canadian, most probably Wilbert Coffin would have been acquitted. Was this fact brought up to the jury during the trial or in summation? No, of course it was not. Maher merely strutted around and kept his mouth shut.
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Police officer Lewis Sinnett of the Quebec Provincial Police, though a witness for the crown, perhaps offers some of the most telling information in defense of Wilbert Coffin. Officer Sinnett has known Wilbert Coffin for a long period of time. He speaks well as to Wilbert Coffin's character, and states that Wilbert would never do anything of the magnitude of which he is charged. Mr. Sinnett begins his interview with information which contains some humourous overtones, however, before he finishes he provides a shocking revelation that should have been brought up at trial. It was not his fault that it was not brought up, the fault should lie squarely at the feet of his superiors.
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Officer Sinnett begins by relating information about he and Wilbert Coffin going into the woods to aid in the search for the bodies of the missing hunters. He explains that they stop at Camp 26. It is past noon and they are hungry, so lunch is prepared. After lunch, Officer Sinnett becomes tired and decides he wants to have a nap. He stretched out on a long table in the old camp and asked Wilbert to call him in an hour. Wilbert is late calling him and awakens him at two-thirty. They get up and carry on their way with the search. Two weeks later reality sets in when they become aware that a victims remains were found just across the road from the camp. Wilbert stated to Officer Sinnett that if we had only walked across the road, we would have found the remains. Officer Sinnett's response was, "yes, and I wonder how they died?" Wilbert responded by saying that he was not the one who caused their death.
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The chilling aspect of this interview is the fact that Officer Sinnett relates as to how he had come into contact with a vehicle and it's occupants in the forest. The date was June 11, 1953. Officer Sinnett pulls over the vehicle, and the driver is wearing a T Shirt that was covered with blood. Officer Sinnett questions this. He is informed that they had shot a moose. The season was not open at that time of year on moose. Officer Sinnett informed them of that, but he did not charge them or question them further as he was in a rush on his way to a mine strike taking place at Saint Anne de Monts. Officer Sinnett did not see the moose, and he does not say that he saw the butchered remains of a moose.

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This information should be very seriously considered. Experienced hunters will tell you, that it would be a very rare instance for a hunter to encounter a lot of blood on personal clothing from the dressing of a game animal. It simply is not the way that it is done. As a matter of fact, most folks who butcher and dress game meat experience very little mess. The same would not be necessairly true if, such as may be the case here, one individual stabbed another in a physical close contact situation such as I described in a former posting suggesting that the victims were not shot to death, but stabbed by a tapered object. To lend support to this theory, we must remember there was no murder weapon, no spent cartridge cases, and no fragmented bullets in or near the human remains.
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One important thing that Officer Sinnett does declare and I consider this important. Before we are too quick to judge Officer Sinnett, we must remember that at this point Officer Sinnett was not aware that murder had taken place in the woods as it had not been announced yet, and further, the hunters had not been reported missing. In fairness to Officer Sinnett, he was responding to the mine call for which he had been dispatched. He was in a hurry, and probably for very good reason because strikes amongst mine workers were known to be rough.
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Officer Sinnett goes on to explain that in his mind there is a very good chance that he may have been talking to the killers of the hunters. This information was never raised at trial because the police officer explained that his superiors, Captain Matte and crew, informed him that when it comes to testifying at the trial, to only answer specifically what he is asked, and not expand the boundaries.
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Officer Sinnett went on to explain the scene at the court house in Perce'. He informs the interviewer of the fact that in the police office set up there, a photograph of Wilbert Coffin was displayed. In the front of the photo, someone had drawn a noose. Officer Sinnett states that he personally saw this display, but did not know who the artist was. Raymond Maher stated emphatically that he did not recall seeing it, though one can reasonably speculate there may have been much that Raymond Maher did not recall from the court house.
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Officer Sinnett admitted that he was very troubled by the conviction of Wilbert Coffin, but he was advised that he was powerless to do anything about it. He wanted to personally place a telephone call to the minister of justice in Ottawa. He was informed by his superiors to leave it, as by then they said many others would have called him and there would be nothing that the minister could do.
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Lawyer Arthur Maloney was an outsider through much of the Wilbert Coffin saga. It can be argued that he could have assumed a more active role. In his interview, he states that it was his belief that an innocent man most probably went to the gallows when Wilbert Coffin was executed. That is a touching statement. Lawyer Maloney as well went on to declare that over the past few months of Wilbert Coffin's life he had the opportunity to question and examine him at great depth. At no time did Wilbert Coffin give him reason to think that he was guilty of the crime. His answers were always forthright and direct. Mr. Maloney, when asked about Wilbert's deposition, remarked that he did not consider the statement to be an admission of guilt or a reason to not commute his capital sentence.
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When asked by the interviewer as to what went wrong, and if there was an error made, why and how did it happen? Mr. Maloney remarked that the jury system is the safest system for a defendant, and further pointed out that the system does not provide for the necessity for one hundred percent proof but is stated as "beyond a reasonable doubt." Given the gravity of that statement, Mr. Maloney went on to say that in this particular case where the evidence was entirely circumstantial, there was more room for possible error.
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Having paid special attention to Mr. Maloney from his earliest entry into this case, I am not satisfied that he did the best job possible for his client. Instantly thoughts come to mind of the application to the Supreme Court as to whether Marion Petrie could be compelled to testify as a hostile witness. The judgment in that decision was wrapped up by the judge stating that Lawyer Maloney did not present arguments.
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The lawyer throughout the whole ordeal who would be closest to Wilbert Coffin would be Francois Gravel. In his interview, lawyer Gravel comes across as being strong willed and somewhat determined. He appears aggressive and moody. He commences the interview pointing out that new evidence had surfaced and it could be instrumental in the clearing of Wilbert Coffin's name. He states that he now has written evidence that will show that Richard Lindsey was alive on June 16, 1953 which would be at least three days after he was supposedly killed. As Gravel stated, it was also three days after the crown had stated that Wilbert Coffin was in Montreal, hundreds of miles from the Gaspe' peninsula. Mr. Gravel stated that the new evidence would be presented in the package with other evidence to the government. When pressed on the origin of this evidence, Mr. Gravel was vague, and openly stated that he would say no more about it at that point.
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Mr. Gravel was asked by the interviewer why the case went so wrong. Instantly, Mr. Gravel is vague once again, however, he does make a point of saying that he does not blame the prosecution. At the same time, he does not accept any responsibility for weakness on the part of the defense. He was not asked, nor did he volunteer information as to why Wilbert Coffin was denied the chance to speak at his trial.
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Upon being asked if he had this new information in his possession, he confirmed that he had. It is important to note that this information was never used, so one must assume, that if in fact it existed, it may still be available. I have received information as to where it may be at this late date. I am not at liberty to express that at this time, however, steps are being taken to track it's existence, and the findings will be made available to AIDWYC and the CCRG. It is a long shot, but it is an avenue that must be explored.
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Mr. Gravel closed off his interview with a reference to his last meeting with Wilbert Coffin in the afternoon prior to the execution. He stated that he discussed last minute affairs with Wilbert and asked if him if he wished that he come back again that evening, to which Wilbert thanked him for all his support and said good-bye for the last time. He then informed Wilbert that the padre, Reverend Sam Pollard was on his way and he suggested that he mught want to spend some time with the Reverend, to which Wilbert agreed.
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The writer John Belliveau had followed the Coffin case from the beginning. Mr. Belliveau never faltered in his belief that Wilbert Coffin was innocent. He did not openly criticize the authorities for the investigation, however, he was critical of the fact that they did not broaden their horizons to include suspects other than Wilbert Coffin. He suggests that had that been done, a suspect other than Wilbert Coffin would have probably been charged. Mr. Belliveau stated through investigation, he and others were able to come up with information and evidence and said the authorities in this case could have done the same thing, but they chose not to. They were on a one way steady course on orders from Quebec, those orders being to charge and convict a suspect, and bring the case to conclusion.
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Jacques Hebert was another staunch supporter of Wilbert Coffin. He was steadfast in his belief of Wilbert's innocence. In the interview, he expresses disgust when talking about the picture of Wilbert Coffin with a noose drawn on it. One can easily read his feelings during this interview. He was of the opinion that more investigation with an open mind should have prevailed. Wilbert Coffin was an easy target. Hebert's book, "Coffin Was Innocent" is highly critical of the government and their handling of the Wilbert Coffin case.
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A local Gaspe' taxi driver provided a local character analysis of Wilbert Coffin and his family. In his interview he states that he knew Wilbert Coffin, his siblings, and his mother and father. He goes on to say that it was his belief that Wilbert Coffin would never commit such a crime, knowing them as he did.
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In a democratic society offering freedom of religion and expression there exists in all walks of life a need for support that provides a pillar of strength, not only representing the oppressed, but for those who are left behind. Society proves that it takes a special kind of individual to fill that role. Indeed, it is not a position that one can just step into and carry on.
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Very carefully, I viewed the interview with the Reverend Sam Pollard. As mentioned above, it was the Reverend Pollard who was the padre at Bordeaux Jail in Montreal during Wilbert Coffin's tenure at the institution. Here was a gentleman who put his heart and soul into his position at the prison. Listening to him speak freely, one quickly becomes drawn to the soothing voice that he provided. On the gloomiest of days, his visit would be a ray of sunshine.
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Reverend Pollard spoke of the strength of Wilbert Coffin. He cared about his family who would be left behind. He requested special prayers for his family on his last day. Throughout his complete ordeal at Bordeaux Jail, Reverend Pollard states that Wilbert Coffin maintained his innocence until the end. He held no grudge against anyone, including his captors. The Reverend goes on to state that one of his biggest let downs was the news that he and the love of his life, Marion Petrie, would not be permitted to marry. Reverend Pollard stated that he had obtained all the necessary documents on their behalf in the hope that permission would be granted near the end, but that did not happen. Reverend Pollard sums up his interview stating that Wilbert Coffin walked bravely to the gallows, and to use his words, Wilbert did it without dope. His final words on Wilbert Coffin were that Wilbert was ready to meet his maker.
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As I mentioned earlier, one could detect a feeling of bitterness in the voice of Marion Petrie in her short interview. She was truly upset because she was losing someone who was very dear and special to her. She was powerless to do anything about what was happening. It was very upsetting to her that she and Wilbert would not be allowed to marry. Marion was not optimistic that the authorities would ever overturn Wilbert's conviction. Marion talks of a particular visit that she made to Wilbert while he was housed at the Quebec City Jail. It was during this visit that Marion would ask Wilbert outright if he had commited this crime. Wilbert was quick to respond with "No he did not."
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There is an old adage that states, "who knows us better than our mother" Again, the interview that I am about to describe to you, I viewed several times. The subject of the interview features an aging grandmotherly type lady named Jessie Coffin. Jessie is Wilbert Coffin's Mum. I have to declare, even an old gnarled, weather beaten scribe such as myself has a tough time with this one without tears.
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Jessie is sincere in her motherly ways. There is pain and sadness in her heart, and a tear in her eyes. Jessie speaks of Wilbert's last days spent at the family farm prior to his arrest. She points out the fact that Wilbert was like he always was, helping with the chores, and if there was nothing to do, he would be reading. She asks the question, if one had committed such a dreadful crime as was suggested, would they be that calm and normal acting and eating properly. She thought not. She answered in the same way to her own question asking if one committed such a crime, would they be sleeping peacefully and normal? Jessie speaks of Wilbert's last words, and when she last saw him alive. It was the Thursday, the day before his execution, that she and her other son Donnie had been in to see him. She goes on to say that on the Saturday, she and others were on their way accompaning Wilbert back to Gaspe'.
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I hope that you have found this posting to be informative. For myself and what I am attempting to accomplish, these interviews have been a real tower of strength. I know there will be some of you who quite possibly have seen them over the years. Personally, I had not. If you have, it was not my intention to bore you. I can tell you this though, I have personally viewed each one of them at least six times during this past week, and each time I managed to pick something up that I missed the time before.
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This has been a particularly long posting. I apologize for that. It was difficult to break it into segments, thus, making it necessary to combine into one post. As I stated earlier, there are a couple of things that I did not discuss in detail due to sensitivity of the material and it's possible impact on acquiring further evidence from years ago.
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As usual, I ask for your comments. That is the way that we are able to gauge our strength. I also solicit your information if you have something to share. The work is far from over, and I need your help. You can reach me by way of the comment board or you can e-mail me.
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Lew Stoddard

Posted to site May 09, 2007