In November 1989, serial killer Allan Legere is seen being escorted from the RCMP detachment in what was then known as Miramichi, New Brunswick. The Canadian Press
Allan Legere, the notorious serial killer known as the "Monster of the Miramichi," has passed away in prison at the age of 78. His death occurred at the Edmonton Institution, a maximum-security prison, as confirmed by Correctional Service Canada on Tuesday. Although the cause of death remains unknown, authorities have called in police and the coroner’s office to investigate.
The Crimes of Allan Legere
Legere’s name became infamous in the late 1980s after he murdered five people in New Brunswick. The first of these killings took place while he was already serving time for a previous murder, having escaped from custody. His crimes shocked the Miramichi region and left a lasting impact on the community.
In 1986, Legere was convicted of second-degree murder for the killing of shopkeeper John Glendenning during a robbery in Black River Bridge, New Brunswick. Glendenning’s wife, Mary, was also brutally assaulted during the attack. After his conviction, Legere was sentenced to life in prison. However, his escape in 1989 led to a series of horrific murders.
The Escape and Murderous Rampage
Legere’s escape from prison on May 3, 1989, marked the beginning of a terrifying chapter for New Brunswick. While receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Moncton, Legere managed to free himself from his handcuffs and leg irons. Using a collapsed TV antenna hidden on his body, Legere picked the locks on both restraints. He then went on the run, terrorizing the community for several months.
Over the next seven months, Legere went on a killing spree across the Miramichi region. On May 28, 1989, he sexually assaulted and murdered 75-year-old Annie Flam, setting fire to her home. He also attacked her sister-in-law, 61-year-old Nina Flam. In October, Legere murdered sisters Donna and Linda Daughney, both in their 40s, after sexually assaulting them. He set their house on fire, too. The final murder in his spree occurred in November when 69-year-old Reverend James Smith was found beaten to death in his church.
The search for Legere continued until November 24, 1989, when he finally surrendered to police near Nelson, New Brunswick, after taking three motorists hostage. Two of the hostages escaped, but the third was held until his capture.
Legere’s Trial and Parole
Legere was convicted of all four murders and declared a dangerous offender, a legal status that meant he could be held indefinitely. He was also found guilty of several sexual assaults. Despite his violent past, Legere continued to try and escape from prison. His actions raised concerns about his potential danger to the public.
In December of last year, the Parole Board of Canada denied Legere’s request for full parole, citing the high risk he posed for future violent crimes. The board’s decision was based on a psychological assessment that indicated Legere’s “maladaptive personality traits” had prevented him from reducing the risk he posed. Additionally, his poor behavior in prison and the serious nature of his crimes played a role in the board’s decision.
“There is no evidence to suggest that (he has) the insight, skill or desire to combat these aspects of (his) personality,” the report stated.
The Parole Board also referenced victim impact statements from those affected by his crimes. These statements highlighted the continued fear that the families and communities had about Legere’s possible return to society.
Legacy of Fear and Terror
Legere’s death marks the end of a long chapter of fear for the people of New Brunswick. His actions had a lasting impact on the community, and his reign of terror left many people in constant fear. The case remains a significant part of Canadian criminal history.
As the investigation into his death continues, many will reflect on the legacy of the "Monster of the Miramichi." While his passing may bring some sense of closure, the trauma he caused remains deeply ingrained in the memories of those who lived through his crimes.
