Lecture Notes: The Case of Cody Legebokoff

Overview

• Location: British Columbia, Canada, particularly Highway 16, known as the "Highway of Tears" due to numerous disappearances.
• Subject: Cody Legebokoff, Canada's youngest serial killer, and his criminal case.

Background

• Geography: British Columbia is large and isolated, with small communities often lacking modern amenities.
• Cody Legebokoff: Born in 1990, appeared to have a normal upbringing in Fort St. James.
  • Known for violence in hockey as a child.
  • Enjoyed hunting, showed disturbing pleasure in causing suffering.

Transition to Crime

• Move to Prince George: Post-high school, moved 100 miles to a city environment.
• Lifestyle: Developed a cocaine addiction, maintained a job as a mechanic, and had a girlfriend.

Victim: Lauren Leslie

• 15-year-old girl, legally blind, met Cody online.
• Cody made graphic sexual comments online, which Lauren tried to ignore.
• Disappeared after meeting Cody at night; later found murdered.

Investigation

• Police Discovery: RCMP officers stopped Cody’s vehicle on November 27th, found blood and evidence of foul play.
• Body Found: Lauren’s body was discovered in the snow.

Criminal Pattern

• Multiple Victims: Cody linked to other missing women, becoming a suspected serial killer.
• First Confirmed Murder: Jill Stachenko in 2009.
  • Found in a gravel pit, severely mutilated.
  • DNA linked Cody to the crime.
• Additional Victims:
  • Natasha Montgomery: DNA found in Cody’s apartment; body never recovered.
  • Cynthia Maas: Found in a park, with evidence linking Cody via DNA on a sock and an axe.

Trial and Conviction

• Cody Legebokoff's Defenses:
  • Blamed mythical "Mr. X, Y, Z" for other murders.
  • Claimed Lauren's death was a self-inflicted accident.
• Outcome: Convicted of four counts of murder in September 2014.
  • Rare case of a teenager starting as a serial killer.

Post-Conviction

• Sentencing: Cody receives a life sentence but is moved to a less secure prison.
• Family’s Response: Anger and ongoing efforts to revert Cody to maximum security.
• Victim Impact: Families devastated, seeking justice and closure.

Reflections

• Nature vs. Nurture: Discussion of inherent evil versus environmental influence.
• Serial Killer Psychology: Cody considered a psychopath, showing no remorse or emotion.
• Vulnerable Victims: Most victims were vulnerable women, often mothers.

Conclusion

• Impact on Families: Profound and lasting; Lauren's death prevented further killings.
• Societal Lessons: Importance of vigilance, understanding psychological markers, and community awareness of potential threats.