Allan Legere dies at 78 while serving life sentence
Allan Legere, notorious for his violent crimes and known as the ‘Monster of the Miramichi’, died at the age of 78 while serving a life sentence at the Edmonton Institution in Alberta. His death was confirmed by Correctional Service Canada, although the cause remains undisclosed.
Legere’s criminal history is marked by a series of heinous acts. In May 1989, he escaped from prison and became a fugitive for 201 days, during which he committed four murders in three separate attacks. His violent spree included the murders of Annie Flam, the Daughney sisters, and Father James Smith, which occurred within a few months of his escape.
On June 19, 1989, just 25 days after his escape, Legere killed Annie Flam. This was followed by the murders of Linda and Donna Daughney five months later, and then Father James Smith just five weeks after that. His actions shocked the community and led to his eventual capture.
Legere was convicted on four counts of first-degree murder in November 1991 and was declared a dangerous offender, which allowed for his permanent incarceration. He had previously been serving a life sentence for the 1986 beating death of John Glendenning. In 2015, he was transferred to the Edmonton Institution from a super-maximum security penitentiary in Quebec.
Despite his incarceration, Legere was deemed an ‘undue risk to society’ by the Parole Board of Canada, leading to a denial of full parole in late 2025. This decision reflected the ongoing concerns about his potential threat to public safety.
His passing has stirred a mix of emotions in the community. Paddy Quinn, a local resident, remarked, “His passing marks the end of a dark chapter in our community and one those of us of a certain generation remember all too well.” Rick Maclean added, “There are an astonishing number of people who have remained afraid to even mention his name. So the sense of relief is going to be very real in the community.” These sentiments highlight the lasting impact of Legere’s crimes on the local populace.
The Correctional Service of Canada has stated that they will review the circumstances surrounding Legere’s death. Details remain unconfirmed, but the community is left to reflect on the legacy of fear and violence that accompanied his actions.
