Despite his conviction, he went to his grave swearing he had nothing to do with the murder of the young American tourist.
The case captured the public's attention much like a true crime mystery, spurring theories and inspiring the publication of books, podcasts and movies — several suggesting a wrongful conviction.
Three years prior to Coffin's execution, three Americans — a man, his son and a friend — went missing in the woods while out on a hunting trip in Gaspéa city at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula in the Gaspé (a city at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula in the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region of eastern Quebec).
Their remains, ravaged by animals, wouldn't be found for weeks.
Police turned to Coffin, who helped in the search in 1953. He became the last person known to see the men alive — and then the sole suspect.
Coffin admitted to having met the men and helped them when their truck ran into mechanical problems before their disappearance. He also admitted to being in possession of some items stolen from the victims.
