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Quebec Coroner Says Police Mishandled 2024 Search for Missing Lévis Teen
Luc Malouin says Lévis officers focused too heavily on the teen’s suicidal profile and should have intensified the search for a missing child under 15.
Quebec Coroner Luc Malouin released a report questioning the SPVL decision to suspend an overnight ground search for a 13-year-old in Nov 2024, suggesting she may have been alive during that time.
Malouin's report states the SPVL exhibited 'tunnel vision' by focusing exclusively on the teen's suicide risk, failing to consider that searches for those under 15 should be intensified rather than de-escalated.
Evidence including hypothermia and rigor mortis patterns suggests Lugez was likely alive when the search was suspended, Malouin notes, contradicting an earlier report by Sophie that she died before being reported missing.
In a news release Tuesday, the SPVL stated it is reviewing the report and takes its contents seriously, adding, "Our thoughts remain with the family and close ones of Lugez."
Malouin recommended the SPVL update staff on proper ground search procedures and suggested police raise awareness among other forces about emergency services offered through provincial divisions.
The mayor of Lévis reaffirms his confidence in the police in the aftermath of a devastating report by the coroner in connection with the death of young Maëlyne Lugez.