The Stéphane Luce Interview – WKT #44

Stéphane Luce was just 13 years old when his mother, Roxanne Luce was found beaten to death in her apartment, April 2nd, 1981 in Longueuil, Quebec.

The case remains unsolved, and like so many Quebec cold cases from this era its history has more to do with investigative blunders than catching a killer. The case evidence was destroyed by the Longueuil police. Through it all Stéphane has remained dogged and determined in finding his mother’s killer, in spite of the poor efforts of Quebec police. He is a founding member of the Quebec victims association, AFPAD, and champions his own organization, Meurtres et Disparitions Irresolus du Quebec (MDIQ).

Last week, Luce attended the premiere of the film 7 Femmes (now titled “Soixante-dix”). The docudrama by Quebec filmmaker Stephan Parent reveals police negligence in the investigation of 17 cold-cases from the era of the 1970s. Originally co-produced by Ugo Fredette, the film gained controversy last fall when unexpectedly Fredette went on a killing rampage of his own.  Fredette has been charged with 1st and 2nd degree murder of his partner Véronique Barbe, and 71-year-old Yvon Lacasse. 

Fredette was originally charged with playing one of the serial killers in the film. At one time Barbe portrayed one of the victims. The film has since been edited with Barbe being cut from the project, and Fredette only seen from the rear in a hoodie. Nevertheless, many were shocked, including the family of Veronique Barbe (Parent dedicated the film to her memory without consulting the family). Parent has since agreed to re-shoot the film and remove all scenes with Fredette.