A nearly 46-year-old murder case in Bas-Saint-Laurent is making progress as a suspect has been arrested using advanced DNA technology. The incident occurred on February 10, 1979, when two armed individuals attacked Adrien Allard and his brother. While the victim succumbed to his injuries, family members are relieved to see movement in the case. Authorities emphasize that DNA evidence has been crucial in this breakthrough, reflecting a trend in resolving cold cases.
Breakthrough in Cold Case Murder from 1979
A nearly half-century-old murder case from Bas-Saint-Laurent is nearing resolution as authorities have apprehended a suspect using advanced DNA technology. This significant development offers hope to the families affected by the tragedy.
On the evening of February 10, 1979, around 7:15 PM, two individuals clad in snowmobile gear invaded the residence of Adrien Allard in Causapscal. The attackers targeted Mr. Allard and his brother André, who was living with him at that time.
Family members familiar with the incident suggest that it might have been a botched robbery, as the suspects were armed. Réjean Allard, the victim’s nephew who was 25 at the time, recounted, “My uncles usually attended church on Saturday nights, but due to a snowstorm that evening, they were home. The attackers likely anticipated only their grandmother being present and were caught off guard.”
Adrien Allard, aged 59 at the time, tragically succumbed to his injuries while trying to defend himself during the violent encounter.
Arrest and Family Reactions
On Wednesday morning, authorities from the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) confirmed the arrest of a man in his sixties, residing in the Vallée de la Matapédia, nearly 46 years after the crime occurred. The police are currently investigating his role in this heinous act, while another suspect remains at large.
Even though no official charges have been filed yet, the victim’s family has been informed of the suspect’s identity, which did not come as a shock to them. Suzie Gallant, partner of Réjean Allard, stated, “My father-in-law always believed it was him; he was convinced. We’ve known it for decades. This confirmation has validated our long-held suspicions.”
Family members expressed a sense of relief, having nearly lost hope after so many years. Mario Allard, another nephew of Adrien, shared, “When investigators contacted us during the pandemic to inform us they were still pursuing the case, we could hardly believe it! It feels uplifting; justice is finally on the horizon.”
The mayor of Causapscal, Odile Roy, remarked that this outcome “demonstrates once more that truth eventually surfaces,” recalling the profound impact the incident had on the community back then.
The Role of DNA Evidence
According to the Sûreté du Québec, the breakthrough in the case was made possible by evidence collected at the time, combined with years of diligent investigative work. Frédéric Deshaies, spokesperson for the police force, stated, “It’s primarily DNA evidence that has enabled investigators to make significant progress on this case.”
This development mirrors the advancements seen in other cold cases, such as the murder of Guylain Potvin in Jonquière in July 2000, where technology has allowed previously unsolvable cases to be reopened. Stéphane Luce, president of the organization Unsolved Murders and Disappearances of Quebec, remarked, “We are entering a new era. Those who think they can evade justice should start feeling apprehensive.”