On this week’s episode of the Dark Poutine podcast, we hear the story of Samantha Walsh.
For 17 days starting on Feb. 6, 2000, nearly the entire population of the tiny town of Fleur de Lys, N.L., was out looking for 13-year-old Samantha Walsh. She had gone missing on a three-minute walk between her grandmother’s house and her own home. She was only wearing her pajama bottoms — not snow pants — in -25 C weather.
As soon as she was presumed missing, a search ensued that expanded to the surrounding streets, hillsides, nearby towns and throughout the far reaches of the province and beyond.
Initially, the RCMP treated Samantha’s disappearance as a missing persons case. They brought in divers to search under the ice of the Fleur de Lys harbour and used a helicopter with infrared sensors that can detect body heat. But there was no trace of the missing girl.
-
![]()
Two Canadian food companies sued in U.S. over ‘potato cartel’ allegations -
![]()
Hearing resumes into allegations against N.S. gynecologist -
![]()
Boissonnault ‘stepped down’ from Liberal cabinet to clear business dealings allegations: Trudeau -
![]()
Poilievre blames Liberals for blocking Paul Bernardo victims’ families from parole hearing
As the days went on, rumours poured in, people were questioned and tips that raised false hope were eventually dashed when a 16-year-old boy, Michael John Victor Lewis, a supposed childhood friend and neighbour, confessed to her murder.
Get daily National news
Lewis picked up Walsh on an ATV and drove her to a nearby cabin. He wanted sex and when she fended off his advances, he strangled her and buried her body in the snow. For almost three weeks, Lewis stayed silent about the murder and even helped with the search for Walsh before confessing and leading police to her.
Her body was found by RCMP just five kilometres from town behind the cabin near a small stream. It was an area that had been searched dozens of times.
Lewis was convicted of murder in the case. Samantha’s parents, George and Millie Walsh, often spoke publicly about their desire to prevent Lewis from getting parole. Despite the Walsh family’s campaign and after rejected appeals, day parole for Lewis was approved in the fall of 2011 and full parole in 2013.
Crime Con 2019 is happening in New Orleans from June 7 to 9. To get 10 per cent off your CrimeCon 2019 ticket purchase, use the code POUTINE19.
Sources:
Into the Night: The Story of Samantha Walsh by Gordon Walsh
Saltwater Joys as sung by 10-year-old Samantha Walsh
Article about Fleur De Lys
newfoundlandandlabrardor.com — Iceberg Viewing
“The Story of Samantha Walsh” — Telegram article
“Murder charge devastates remote hamlet” — Globe and Mail article
Website: http://darkpoutine.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/darkpoutinepod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darkpoutine/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darkpoutine/
Email: darkpoutinepodcast@gmail.com
Support the show: https://www.paypal.me/darkpoutine
The views, information and opinions expressed in Dark Poutine are solely those of the producer and/or the individuals involved in the production of Dark Poutine and do not necessarily represent those of Curiouscast, its affiliate Global News nor their parent company, Corus Entertainment. Curiouscast is not responsible and does not verify the accuracy of any statement made during Dark Poutine. The producers and Curiouscast assume no liability for any statement or service made in connection with this podcast.
We LOVE that you are loving the Dark Poutine podcast! If you haven’t subscribed yet — what are you waiting for?
Subscribing’s easy! Here’s how…
- Open the Apple Podcasts app, search for Dark Poutine and select it from the list of results.
- Once on the Dark Poutine page, click the “Subscribe” button to have new episodes sent to your mobile device for free.
- Click the name of an episode from the list below to listen.
- Open the Google Podcasts app, search for Dark Poutine and select it from the list of results.
- Once on the Dark Poutine page, click the “Subscribe” button to have new episodes sent to your mobile device for free.
- Click the name of an episode from the list below to listen.
Comments