Crime Junkie
Crime Junkie
"The blows take John by surprise, and he kind of staggers backwards, falls to the floor, he's bleeding pretty badly at this point, and he just keeps asking these guys over and over, 'What do you want? Just tell me what you want. I'll go get it for you.'" — Ashley Flowers
"He was cooperative. He was polite. He was easy to talk to. He was a small prisoner. Yeah, never making trouble for the guards or the case workers. Like, he was a model prisoner. Or so it seemed." — Ashley Flowers
"The police are under an immense amount of public and media pressure to track down Alan dead or alive. But when they finally do, it's nothing like what they expect." — Ashley Flowers
This episode chronicles the harrowing case of Alan Lesier, beginning with the brutal home invasion and murder of John and Mary Glendeng in 1986, for which Lesier, along with two accomplices, was eventually convicted. Despite serving his sentence, Lesier's violence reignited following his escape from prison in 1989. He subsequently committed multiple further assaults and murders, including the attacks on Annie Flam, Donna Donnie, and Linda Donnie, and Father John Smith. The report details Lesier's evasion tactics, his ability to disguise his appearance, and the significant fear he instilled in the Miramichi community, leading to drastic security measures.
The narrative emphasizes Lesier's calculated actions, from staging his ear infections to escape to his elaborate methods of evasion, including establishing multiple camps in the woods and even boarding a train to Montreal. Law enforcement's investigation was a lengthy and complex pursuit, utilizing various manhunts and eventually crucial forensic evidence, including DNA, which finally linked him to the crime scenes. The community's fear was palpable, impacting daily life and security protocols, with residents implementing what became known as "Lezier lights."
The episode culminates in Lesier's capture in November 1989 after a final chase involving an off-duty police officer and a stolen truck. His surrender marked the end of a seven-month reign of terror that resulted in four murders and numerous assaults. Lesier was convicted on four counts of first-degree murder and received a life sentence with a significant period of parole ineligibility, coupled with a dangerous offender designation, ensuring he remains a high-risk threat.