A Montreal man was found guilty of manslaughter on Monday for the death of Patricia Ferguson [1], [2].
The conviction concludes a legal process involving a death that occurred three decades ago. This case highlights the pursuit of justice in cold cases where evidence and testimony can lead to convictions long after the crime.
Serge Audette, 72 [3], was convicted on May 25, 2026 [2], for his role in the death of Ferguson [1], [2]. The events took place in the Pointe-aux-Trembles neighborhood of Montreal, Quebec [1].
Ferguson died in 1996 [1]. The legal proceedings focused on the circumstances surrounding her death and the responsibility of Audette for the loss of life. The court determined that Audette's actions constituted manslaughter, an unlawful killing without the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm.
Because the crime occurred in 1996 [1], the case spanned 30 years before reaching this verdict. The conviction of a 72-year-old defendant [3] underscores the persistence of investigators in Quebec's judicial system regarding historical homicides.
“Serge Audette, 72, was found guilty Monday for the death of Patricia Ferguson.”
The conviction of Serge Audette demonstrates that the passage of time does not grant immunity from prosecution in Canadian law. By securing a manslaughter conviction for a 1996 death in 2026, the Quebec justice system signals that cold cases remain viable for prosecution regardless of the defendant's age or the era of the crime.
