As a Montreal resident for nearly two decades, the news of a convicted murderer escaping from a prison in our province sends a particular chill through our community. Yesterday afternoon, authorities confirmed that Lori Germa, a 69-year-old woman serving a life sentence for second-degree murder, escaped from Maison Tanguay, a minimum-security facility in Laval, just north of Montreal.
The Correctional Service of Canada issued an alert shortly after discovering Germa’s absence during the 3:30 p.m. head count. According to CSC spokesperson Julie Tremblay, “All measures are being taken to ensure this individual is apprehended as quickly as possible.” The Sûreté du Québec and local police forces have mobilized in what they’re calling a “coordinated search effort.”
Germa was convicted in 2006 for the murder of her husband, found guilty of poisoning him with antifreeze added to his food over several months. The case shocked our community at the time, particularly because Germa maintained her innocence throughout the trial despite compelling forensic evidence.
Having covered numerous stories about our correctional system over the years, I’ve observed a troubling pattern of escapes from minimum-security facilities in Quebec. Just last year, three inmates escaped from different institutions across the province, raising serious questions about security protocols.
“This is concerning both for public safety and for trust in our correctional system,” notes criminologist Sophie Bélanger from Université de Montréal, whom I spoke with this morning. “Minimum-security designations are supposed to be granted only to those who pose minimal flight risk.”
Police describe Germa as 5’4″ with gray hair and brown eyes, last seen wearing what appears to be a dark jacket and pants. She has family connections in both the Montérégie region and the Eastern Townships, areas where authorities are focusing particular attention.
The escape raises important questions about age and security assessments in our prison system. At 69, Germa represents an increasingly common demographic challenge for corrections – managing aging inmates who may appear to present reduced security risks due to age alone.
“Age shouldn’t automatically qualify someone for reduced security,” explains retired corrections officer Jean Tremblay, who worked in Quebec institutions for 27 years. “The nature of the crime and ongoing psychological assessments must remain primary factors.”
For residents in Laval and surrounding areas, the escape has prompted increased vigilance. Local schools were notified, though no lockdown measures were implemented. Montreal police have increased patrols in certain neighborhoods, particularly those with connections to Germa’s past.
As someone who has raised a family in this city, I understand the concern many parents feel. At my daughter’s school this morning, the escape was the main topic among parents waiting at drop-off. “It’s not something you expect to worry about in 2023,” one mother told me, “a grandmother-aged killer on the loose.”
The timing of the escape—just weeks before Germa’s scheduled parole hearing—adds another layer to this developing story. Sources close to the investigation suggest she may have feared a negative outcome after a recent psychological evaluation.
Citizen cooperation remains essential in these situations. The Sûreté du Québec has established a dedicated tip line at 1-800-659-4264, emphasizing that Germa should not be approached if spotted.
As our community processes this news, we’re reminded that beneath Montreal’s vibrant cultural facade exists the same concerns for safety and security as anywhere else. The investigation continues, and we at LCN.today will provide updates as this situation develops.
