Name: Lucie Goudreau.
Died: November 27, 2012.
Age at death: 53.
Cause of death: Burning.
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Disability: Multiple sclerosis.
Details:
Lucie was diagnosed with progressive MS in her thirties, and when she eventually needed care, her husband helped her. But he died of cancer, and Lucie’s care was left to her son, who routinely mistreated her.
Lucie’s son took out several life insurance policies on his mother, then lit her bed on fire and left her to die in the blaze, knowing her mobility impairment would keep her from escaping on her own. When asked why he had done it, he said he “needed the money”.
Case Status:
Rene Goudreau (Son), convicted of first-degree murder; granted new trial on appeal; convicted of first-degree murder on second trial; sentenced to life.
Source:
Ottawa man convicted of first-degree murder for a second time in mother’s 2012 death
Man convicted of murder in mother’s arson death wins new trial | Ottawa Citizen
Man lit fire to kill MS-stricken mother: Crown