Raymond Laroche
WINDSOR, ONTARIO
After the disappearance of a baby in Windsor in 1990, lurid headlines on both sides of the Detroit River quickly turned the baby’s teen parents into sordid celebrities.
The intention of this episode is to take a look back at a shocking crime sensationalized through headlines, how it captured public attention and inspired vigilante justice. It also reveals the stark differences between Canadian and American news coverage that played a pivotal role in the way this crime—and the stories about this crime—played out.
Additional content warning: This case is about the death of a baby, and there is mention of domestic violence and animal abuse. Please take care when listening.
Monthly Donation
Canadian True Crime has donated to the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society
Credits
Research, writing: Lisa Gabriele
General script consultant: Carol Weinberg
Audio editor and voice of disclaimer: Erik Krosby
Senior Producer: Lindsay Eldridge
Narrator and sound design: Kristi Lee
Theme songs: We Talk of Dreams
All other music by Epidemic Sound and Blue Dot Sessions
Sources
Court Documents
R. v. Béland, [1987] 2 S.C.R. 398 (Supreme Court of Canada)
Other sources:
Weather July 17, 1990, Windsor, Ontario
https://www.wunderground.com/history/daily/ca/windsor/CYQG/date/1990-7-17July 18, 1990 (page 1 of 48). (1990, Jul 18). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Baby missing from home…” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/july-18-1990-page-1-48/docview/2244331588/se-2
July 19, 1990 (page 1 of 44). (1990, Jul 19). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “No Break” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/july-19-1990-page-1-44/docview/2244112463/se-2
July 20, 1990 (page 1 of 51). (1990, Jul 20). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Focus on parents…” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/july-20-1990-page-1-51/docview/2244116241/se-2
July 21, 1990 (page 1 of 84). (1990, Jul 21). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “We didn’t kill our baby.” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/july-21-1990-page-1-84/docview/2244220815/se-2
July 22, 1990 Geoff Baker, T. S. (1990, Jul 22). 'I'll never be same,' says dad of dead baby: [SU2 edition]. Toronto Star Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/ill-never-be-same-says-dad-dead-baby/docview/436229860/se-2
July 23, 1990 (page 1 of 32). (1990, Jul 23). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Shaken mother doing better…” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/july-23-1990-page-1-32/docview/2244309399/se-2
July 23rd Page A2. (1990, Jul 24). Toronto Star (1971-2009) “Dad demands autopsy report” * Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/page-a2/docview/1369185362/se-2
July 24, 1990 (page 1 of 50). (1990, Jul 24). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Stick together” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/july-24-1990-page-1-50/docview/2244128702/se-2
July 25, 1990 Page A2. (1990, Jul 25). Toronto Star (1971-2009) “dad denies devil worship” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/page-a2/docview/1367471011/se-2
July 26, 1990 Page A2. (1990, Jul 25). Toronto Star (1971-2009) “50 attend funeral” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/page-a2/docview/1367471011/se-2
July 26, 1990 Page A2. (1990, Jul 25). Toronto Star (1971-2009) “Dead baby’s father denies accusation” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/page-a2/docview/1367471011/se-2
July 27, 1990 (page 1 of 40). (1990, Jul 27). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Trial by TV, dead tot’s dad attacked” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/july-27-1990-page-1-40/docview/2244297114/se-2
July 28, 1990 (page 3 of 84). (1990, Jul 28). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Police watch Laroche’s safety” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/july-28-1990-page-3-84/docview/2244104944/se-2
July 30, 1990 (page 3 of 32). (1990, Jul 30). Windsor Star (1959-2010) Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/july-30-1990-page-3-32/docview/2244219115/se-2
July 31, 1990 (page 7 of 45). (1990, Jul 31). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Carl Morgan op-ed” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/july-31-1990-page-7-45/docview/2244196023/se-2
August 1, 1990 (page 1 of 48). (1990, Aug 01). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “hounded parents treasure silence” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/august-1-1990-page-48/docview/2244126640/se-2
August 2, 1990 (page 1 of 40). (1990, Aug 02). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Bored Laroche back in town” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/august-2-1990-page-1-40/docview/2244241256/se-2
August 4, 1990 (page 1 of 76). (1990, Aug 04). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Baby’s dad faces murder…” Retrieved from ttps://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/august-4-1990-page-1-76/docview/2244331664/se-2
August 10, 1990 (page 3 of 44). (1990, Aug 10). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Laroche to seek bail.” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/august-10-1990-page-3-44/docview/2244068075/se-2
October 3, 1990 (page 3 of 52). (1990, Oct 03). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Laroche denied bail’ Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/october-3-1990-page-52/docview/2244309904/se-2
October 17, 1990 (page 3 of 52). (1990, Oct 17). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Laroche, Soulliere not about to marry.” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/october-17-1990-page-3-52/docview/2244124226/se-2
January 26, 1991 (page 3 of 84). (1991, Jan 26). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Ban ordered in Laroche hearing” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/january-26-1991-page-3-84/docview/2244248855/se-2
February 6, 1991 (page 1 of 52). (1991, Feb 06). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “LaRoche pleads guilty to manslaughter” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/february-6-1991-page-1-52/docview/2244118565/se-2
February 7, 1991 (page 1 of 36). (1991, Feb 07). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Guilty plea latest twist” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/february-7-1991-page-1-36/docview/2244212495/se-2
February 19, 1991 (page 1 of 44). (1991, Feb 19). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Ten years in jail…” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/february-19-1991-page-1-44/docview/2244124228/se-2
February 20, 1991 (page 6 of 48). (1991, Feb 20). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Being a parent, op-ed” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/february-20-1991-page-6-48/docview/2244164228/se-2
February 22, 1991 (page 3 of 44). (1991, Feb 22). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “I learned a lot, baby’s killer maintains.” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/february-22-1991-page-3-44/docview/2244219074/se-2
March 6, 1991, CBC’s The Journal, Colleen McEdwards’ Report
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYoFawZpGqcJuly 31, 1991 (page 3 of 40). (1991, Jul 31). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Young mother charged with misleading police…” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/july-31-1991-page-3-40/docview/2244264180/se-2
November 11, 1993 (page 4 of 60). (1993, Nov 11). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Laroche wants to see daughter” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/november-11-1993-page-4-60/docview/2244454623/se-2
May 5, 1994 (page 3 of 52). (1994, May 05). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Parole hearing set” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/may-5-1994-page-3-52/docview/2244491557/se-2
May 28, 1994 (page 1 of 88). (1994, May 28). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Baby killer Laroche denied parole” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/may-28-1994-page-1-88/docview/2244461899/se-2
June 1, 1994 (page 6 of 84). (1994, Jun 01). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “What goes on in a man's head” * Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/june-1-1994-page-6-84/docview/2244424471/se-2
January 24, 1995 (page 3 of 32). (1995, Jan 24). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Laroche denied parole” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/january-24-1995-page-3-32/docview/2244530424/se-2
January 25, 2001 (page 1 of 60). (2001, Jan 25). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “BabyKiller due for release” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/january-25-2001-page-1-60/docview/2244810921/se-2
January 27, 2001 (page 1 of 90). (2001, Jan 27). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “You can run but you can’t hide…” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/january-27-2001-page-1-90/docview/2244735435/se-2
January 29, 2001 (page 3 of 36). (2001, Jan 29). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Westenders remember Ray” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/january-29-2001-page-3-36/docview/2244775336/se-2
February 10, 2001 (page 3 of 86). (2001, Feb 10). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Raymond back in local jail” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/february-10-2001-page-3-86/docview/2244671151/se-2
February 14, 2001 (page 4 of 48). (2001, Feb 14). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Police vow killer faces curbs” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/february-14-2001-page-4-48/docview/2244698783/se-2
February 16, 2001 (page 8 of 56). (2001, Feb 16). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Staff harassed me, Restrictions unfair.” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/february-16-2001-page-8-56/docview/2244582297/se-2
February 19, 2001 (page 3 of 36). (2001, Feb 19). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Laroche begins life as free man.” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/february-19-2001-page-3-36/docview/2244792489/se-2
February 17, 2005 (page 3 of 52). (2005, Feb 17). Windsor Star (1959-2010) “Raymond LaRoche receives traffic violation…” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/february-17-2005-page-3-52/docview/2244771290/se-2
September 19, 2012 (page A4). (2012, Sep 19). The Windsor Star (2011-) “Raymond Laroche found dead.” Retrieved from https://ezp.windsorpubliclibrary.com:4048/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/september-19-2012-page-a4/docview/2064484044/se-2
Jun 10, 2020 The Associated Press: “Cops TV canceled” https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/cops-tv-cancelled-1.5605849
September 13, 2021 The Hill “Fox Nation Bringing Back TV show Cops https://thehill.com/homenews/media/571950-fox-nation-bringing-back-tv-show-cops-after-cancelation-following-george-floyd/
