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Elderly Montreal Nun Killed While Caring for Mental Patients, Addicts

Posted on: Monday, 13 August 2007, 18:15 CDT

By LES PERREAUX

MONTREAL (CP) - An 81-year-old nun who cared for addicts and mental patients was beaten to death Monday in the convent where she worked.

Montreal police arrested a 31-year-old man who was a resident at the convent's transition centre for drug addicts and psychiatric patients. He will face a charge of second-degree murder in court on Tuesday. The nun was identified as Estelle Lauzon by residents of the Maison de la Providence complex.

Investigators found the 31-year-old man still in the secure second-floor area of the residence when they arrived on the scene Monday morning.

"They help these people get back on their feet, they do great work," police spokeswoman Lynne Labelle said of the nuns.

The complex also houses dozens of elderly people on the third and fourth floors.

Nearby residents called police when they heard noise coming from the area, according to Labelle.

Despite her advanced age, Lauzon volunteered to work every day at the centre.

"She was super nice, ready to help everyone," said Fabio Paz, a worker at the convent.

"It really is a great shock."

Labelle said the imposing greystone convent is usually a quiet place with its mix of elderly residents, mental patients and recovering addicts.

Labelle said Lauzon had severe injuries to her head and bruises all over her body.

"We don't know if anything was used to hurt her, besides physical force," Labelle said.

A nun at the residence who did not want to be identified said the members of the Sisters of Providence who work at the convent are all in shock.

"She was such a vital force, it's hard to grasp that she's gone," the nun said.

The 60 nuns in the convent spent the day quietly gathering to comfort each other and plan for the days ahead.

Source: Canadian Press

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