Murder in Cottage Country - The Fifth Estate

It's a dark tale of people vanishing, mystery, and suspicion of murder: Nearly two decades ago in a secluded part of Ontario's cottage country, four elderly people disappeared without a trace. Police spent years searching for bodies, clues and answers. To this day, the seniors have never been found -- and no one has been held accountable for their disappearance.
Now, in a joint investigation with The Walrus magazine, The Fifth Estate uncovers long-secret police documents and new details about the people who went missing, the suspects police had in their sights and clues to what may have happened.
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About the fifth estate : For four decades The Fifth Estate has been Canada's premier investigative documentary program. Hosts Bob McKeown, Gillian Findlay and Mark Kelley continue a tradition of provocative and fearless journalism. the fifth estate brings in-depth investigations that matter to Canadians - delivering a dazzling parade of political leaders, controversial characters and ordinary people whose lives were touched by triumph or tragedy.

[@BrokeredHeart]

Elderly abuse, negligent care, embezzlement, possible murder, and even animal abuse. And yet, not a single charge laid against any one of that wretched family. Absolutely despicable.

[@supercooled]

You know where they live. Go do something about it.

[@supercooled]

@Appen Zeller You too. NO justice is as good as street justice. I'm sure the same apathetic law enforcement will give you a pass.

[@curlyanneb1973]

Does make you wonder if they had connections in the right places.....

[@annas.8902]

Paid off or family in the force. Canada's law enforcement is riddled with it.

[@theyo1732]

Missing 411

[@O4fksake]

$700/month for that shed?! You gotta be some kinda evil to take advantage of elderly people like that.

[@LynxStarAuto]

Here in Miami, ppl pay more than that for *one room*

[@SilentKilla574]

with a butter knife or a credit card you can squat there for free, theres not even a deadbolt haha

[@cinnapokey]

@@LynxStarAuto This area has harsh winters (I live in Montreal) It's not really possible to live in this condition though the winter with out a door and insulation.

[@theyo1732]

Missing 411

[@georgeelmerdenbrough6906]

@@LynxStarAuto Believe me , if she had anymore money thats exactly what he would have charged her .

[@foxibot]

Hurting the elderly is like hurting a child. It’s unforgivable.

[@Sedgies]

Exactly. You’re a good person. ❤

[@foxibot]

@@Sedgies thanks so much, merci beaucoup.

[@brandychewningcaldwell379]

I'm in the USA, I am grateful there is a news agency exposing these cases. Seems like a lot of shoddy and shady police coverups. This is probably the saddest episode I have seen so far.

[@monaliza3334]

🇺🇸 have more corruption than North Korea .

[@marcopezzulli2002]

Oh dear God, my dad once worked with Joan (the cat lady) years ago; she was such a sweet woman and her cats were her life. As a child a stray cat gave birth to a litter of kittens in my backyard. My dad got ahold of Joan and she came to collect them - to take care of them. I was promised that I could one day visit the cats but unfortunately it never happened. So sad that I hear her name again after almost 35 years only to find out that she was murdered. God rest your soul Joan, thanks for taking my kittens into your care.

[@shearslisa]

Marco i'm sorry for your loss /even though you weren't close/she touched your soul / there's an old saying that is something like some people are in your life for a lifetime and have little affect on your life/some but for a fleeting moment but they affect you for your life for ever... this is the case of joan... im disgusted at the fact that you can be a serial killer and still get parole here/vince li was allowed to change his name and his sentence was vacated...it's so rare that a schizophrenic acts out what the voices say but he did which in my opinion makes him ineligible for parole let alone to vacate the sentence/and record...ffs...he's as far as im concerned a dangerous offender and whose to say that he won't do it again but in terrorist style/with a bomb/these psychosis last for months/my cousin has it and disappears for months sometimes years at a time....this is usually because they are paranoid of their own famiies....

[@georgiaronnie294]

Cats are the devil

[@williamelliott]

@@georgiaronnie294 pure nonsense you have spoken

[@jimmyredd]

Wow, that's wild. Does it feel weird knowing that the cats your family burdened her with ultimately led to her demise?

[@Ryan99111]

@@georgiaronnie294 Wouldn't be shocked if you turn into some murderer if you weren't one already, usually its lunatics like you.

[@ladyfootZ]

There is NO reason the "owners" of any retirement home need to have joint bank accounts with the elderly. CANADA..... ARE YOU REALLY THAT LAX IN YOUR LAWS ABOUT TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE ELDERLY?

[@jeromegoodwin3848]

Have you visited any here in the states if not you have nothing of value to say.

[@kitzychry4950]

Do what we do in our country... we take care of our own parents and grandparents.. they only have few years left so why put them in the house of the aged.

[@dnasoff]

We don’t do much better here in the states, that’s for sure. Your judgement can be said about the states too!

[@kass_G59]

Lmao why do y'all keep talking about the US? This person never said they live in the US.

[@gtw4546]

@@kitzychry4950 But these people sought out the elderly who had little or no family. Not everyone has children and sometimes parents outlive their children, whether because of accidents or diseases.

[@leannemaria11]

The corruption and coverup attached to this case is beyond belief. How can it be that these people are still walking the streets?! Pure evil.

[@debrap947]

This breaks my heart. As one who has been a care aide I just can't imagine someone treating these amazing human beings with such indignity. Normally I would give people the benefit of the doubt...but I too smell a rat, a few rats! Rest in peace dear John, Joan, John and Ralph "Doogie".

[@KarlaRodriguez-ku3fp]

Being a church person doesn't make you a good person just like having a piano doesn't make you a pianist.

[@susanluvsrobbyfox]

True!!!

[@KookaburraLove]

The biggest hypocrites I know go to church every Sunday but wouldn’t know the meaning of being a decent human being. It’s all face to the world.

[@ashalon8729]

Christianity is a mask for too many people...

[@queenroo4082]

Kay Rod sad thing is, A lot of criminals hide behind religion so no one will suspect them. I personally know of many.

[@hopemccubbin8661]

The church hides a lot of crap

[@littleblackfox1]

How is a guy who broke into houses, robbed and threatened the people with a knife or gun, alllowed to work as a domestic repairman!? Surely there should be some kind of law against that..

[@QueenlySweetpea]

Yea really! How does the guy even get bonded ? More ineptitude pffttttt

[@ucnhtmenow1]

So you don't think he should never be able to work again?

[@randommagician]

ucnhtmenow1 not as someone that goes into people’s homes.

[@vitameatvegamin]

I don’t understand why he isn’t still in jail.

[@tiffanymjohnston8052]

He offers a senior discount so that he'll attract elderly clients so he can rob them blind when he goes to their house to make repairs. I agree he shouldn't be allowed to go in people's (especially the elderly) homes. He needs to find a job in a different field.

[@debraprice7307]

I refused to give up my dog and ended up on the streets homeless. We had one one of the worst winters in Texas and I still lived on the streets. He and I survived it!!! The grace of God saved and protected us.

[@Sedgies]

I’m sorry you were homeless. You deserve better. I pray you have a home now. God bless you for keeping and honoring your dogs life.

[@shreyamishra916]

Hugs. Hope things are better for you now.

[@Tempe1962]

I can relate.I ended up homeless for 2 days cause I was fleeing a creepy landlord.Wasnt pleasant sleeping in a tiny car with a cat and litter box!

[@DaniiiDaniii8]

❤❤❤❤ hope You are doing well now 🌹🌹🌹🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

[@generallyspeaking850]

I understand. I have two senior dogs and don’t live much better than Joan but we’re together. It’s hard to find and afford a place that takes pets sometimes you have to do whatever you can do.

[@ellebelle8515]

As a Canadian I am ashamed and disgusted with the legal system that continues to allow this evil family to walk free. All I can say is, the God they pretended to honor has seen it all and justice will be done. RIP dear ones who trusted this evil family.

[@jjdriftz5101]

5 unsolved shootings that happened this summer within 10 kms of me ongoing investigations Ontario .opp is the worst at catching real criminals

[@leonel2009ish]

Nothing happen to criminals in CANADA 🍁

[@Qrtuop]

There is no god. False reassurance and false hope is cruel and diverts energy from actually taking action. Belief in God is lazy and cowardly

[@tinatoulouse1175]

Joan loved her cats so much she was sleeping in that shed/shack, even in the winter and the law enforcement thinks she's just going to walk off and leave her cats to die, I don't think so, I say she was MURDERED.

[@ZiggyTheAdventurer]

we've already figured that out Sherlock

[@cathycronje4848]

Lol, yes I think that was pretty clearly inferred throughout the documentary!

[@gleadhill79]

There's no need to be rude on someone's comment.

[@chinchinchilly]

Exactly

[@dmvconartists1855]

Actually that's not what law enforcement thinks as from thier own files they listed Ron Allen and David lann as suspect individuals

[@thinaavee1866]

4 people missing for decades. Never reported missing by the landlords. That says it all. Especially how they were taking their money. And no ones been charged after all this time? That's insane.

[@AJ-ps2bw]

That's Canadian LE for ya. They have a terribly loose justice system. One man repeatedly raped a teen girl and cut off her arms. He was released from prison after 14 years and immediately killed a woman.

[@YOYOKE64]

Not noticed by family either

[@joanndrab2657]

@@AJ-ps2bw wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww EQ

[@user-ij9tz1df5f]

That's Canada. I'll never return to live in Canada.

[@7jcjg]

​@@user-ij9tz1df5f good riddance to you

[@brittaolson6550]

This is so sad. I’ve definitely dealt with slumlords to keep my cats, when I had to leave an abusive husband. Especially since they are my son’s cats, and I wanted a little continuity for him. It’s unconscionable when people take advantage of vulnerable seniors.

[@charlesrisley6342]

In watching all of these episodes it seems only one thing is consistent. The Canadian Justice System is incompetent and complicit!

[@letsgetit7878]

now now ^^ its not like you can name me any country that has a flawless Justice System :D they are all corrupt in one way or another.

[@shishkebab5306]

Stories like these do not give you much faith in law inforcement.

[@controllerhead47]

Particularly the OPP who has horrendous rep.

[@dennislangille4263]

All crooked!

[@watchman48]

Yes, but you need to realize that we live in a fallen world and this kind of wickedness is all across the whole earth, which is filled with those that seek to steal, kill and destroy all that they can just as their god, satan does. They who do these things and call themselves Christians are no more Christian than the pope himself; and the world will continue to wax worse and worse until the return of the Man of Peace, Christ Jesus; he who has ears with which to hear the truth let them hear.

[@Liverpoolboy01]

Bruce Wayne doh!

[@Rose-qd2bl]

or the justice system.

[@susloan6386]

Every Minute further into this story I just got angrier and angrier.

[@rachaelnwaoha3543]

Su Sloan me too! And the sister get to come to the US? I thought you were allowed here if you have a criminal past! But people from the other side of the world are denied visa? The fact that these ppl get to travel the world and live happy lives while 4 old people were scammed and MURDERED is... I can’t even find the words! 🤦🏾‍♀️😡😡

[@sapphiresimeon6757]

Me too

[@c.b5996]

Same, me too I can't believe this. This is absolutely horrendous

[@LisaNH934]

I don't understand how investigators & detectives collect a paycheck for this INCOMPETENCY!

[@bevcamren1316]

Not one of them got any jail time they got friends in high places

[@Indusxstan]

SHAME on the local police ! Absolutely disgusting. Can’t a local civil rights group take up the cause of the poor elderly souls ? Their death should not the end of it. Justice should be.

[@mothermayi9545]

As a fellow cat lady I would die for my cats too. So heartbreaking! 💔

[@lisadawnrussell]

Die you see the Doc Don’t F &$* With Cats? On Netflix so interesting

[@We_Are_All_Vultures]

Me too. What a lovely lady and may she RIP ✨🕯️🐾

[@JenJessup1]

I can’t believe they didn’t prosecute the Laan family. Circumstantial evidence was enormous! Horrible 😓

[@digby_dooright]

I don't know about Canada, but here in the U.s. it's hard to prosecute a case without a body. Maybe that's why? Either that or the family is well connected if you know what I mean. 😡

[@val2751]

Joan was a somebody and the lady that gave her free coffee and was a friend was an angel.

[@xoxomeg2129]

I love it when Bob runs up on the suspect 🏃 lmao that’s so brave of him to call out those pieces of s***! At least someone is ruining their day, bcuz the cops aren’t harassing them enough obviously if he’s comfortable riding around hitting up coffee shops

[@ehrafrancis]

My heart breaks for her and the cats as well as those poor souls who are still missing with no closure for their loved ones.

[@Nasil-Yapmali]

😓

[@ASTPlumbing9090]

The cat lady had a name: Joan Lawrence. And she was a caring human being who happened to love cats. She lived in abhorrent conditions, I’m surprised she didn’t pass from exposure. That family housing her in that shed should be ashamed of themselves at the very least for that alone. Let alone killing the elderly people which I think that family is responsible.

[@ShogunHull]

Absolutely ...on all counts!!!

[@ShogunHull]

A 3 - 7 year old could easily solve these cases. The police are paid off.

[@amiematthews6469]

Fiona, she may have died from exposure! We won’t ever know since the police are covering by not doing a real investigation!

[@eb3596]

They needed to get death penalty and the police the money was enough evidence Wt

[@darkknight1340]

Those responsible for putting her and her beloved cats into such appalling accommodation should be put away for life with no heat and very little food,just enough to keep them alive and ensure their suffering is prolonged.

When will people realize just because someone goes to church and spews a few bible verses that doesn’t make them good people!

[@user-wickedflower]

C&C Phx it makes me sick that people think to be religious is some kind of higher authority of moral code..what bull, historically its religion that causes wars & abuses children & the vulnerable theres too many instances to list but we all know what goes on & how its swept under the rug

[@olie3625]

Exactly! I've come across a number of so called religious people who are pure evil. Now I am suspicious of any "religious person".

[@ericag5346]

I go to church and have faith, that doesn't make me a bad person. Unfortunately bad people are everyone and come in all walks of life.

[@RasPutintheGreat]

Those people are more dangerous

[@TheHairApparent]

I don’t think for a moment that people who are religious are more likely to be evil. The fact is that non-religious people EXPECT religious people to be holy or saint-like when the fact is we are all human and some people simply don’t have a conscience regardless of what they project outwardly. There are evil people who use religion to convince others they are good, just as there are nurses, doctors, parents, and others in positions that engender trust in order to use it as a shield.

[@spark_6710]

I feel bad for the " cat lady " ,she must had loved those cats so much & she must had been a lovely person who desperately needed a lot of help ! There are so many people deserve so much better ,so much more in their lives !! 😰💜🥁🐉🎤💞

[@AnyoneCanSee]

It made me so very sad when they read her poem as it was actually very beautiful. Just that she was a creative person that ended up completely alone without anyone to keep her company or care for her. I believe I'll end my life if I end up alone and struggling for so long. Life is so incredibly cruel and meaningless.

[@becca5100]

Agreed

[@lesliejude2169]

Amen, I totally agree!!

[@cierahowell8653]

Those who harm the elderly are the worst kinds of people

[@terriesmith8219]

Ciera Howell~Yup. As well as those that harm innocent babies and animals.

[@Ace-ke7fq]

including their own families who give them up and putting them in nursing homes,.they look after you growing up, you should return the favour by looking after your parents..

[@cierahowell8653]

L. J.P. Totally agree, I moved home to care for my grandparents/who raised me, to keep them out of a situation like that.

[@cierahowell8653]

TheDodicat I would agree with that as well. Anyone who hurts any innocent/helpless person is the worst kind of person. Whether that be the elderly, children, teens, adults, those with special need, it's all awful. I just specifically addressed the elderly because that's what this video was primarily focusing on.

[@merricat3025]

Ciera Howell even people in prison would agree with you.

[@mar-4baw904]

i am so glad we took my parents in to live with us! my brother moved them into town so he could sell the the building site after he told them they could live there all their lives. he bought their farm they worked so hard for for 40yrs . he sold the building site so they couldnt come back. he broke their hearts. but he didnt care. he wanted that money. my husband and i had to pick up the broken hearts of them . mom died of a broken heart. she trusted her only son to take care of them. my dad lived 4yrs after she passed away. he so missed her! when he died,my sister called only asked if he had a will. my sis and bro have disownrd me. i will NEVER regret taking care of them! if i could do it again i would be happy too!

[@tapsars7911]

God be with you . I am so happy that you are so loving and caring . Regards from India .

[@ginatorres677]

Sorry to hear that!😢

[@reneehatin7256]

The way he got it is the way he'll lose it when we don't know but he is heading for hard times I'm sure

[@pamela7462]

Mar I understand you completely. I took care of mum 24/7 My sister hardly visited but sent postcards of her cruises. When she passed on she asked me right away about her 'estate.' I'm glad I looked after mum more precious than any cruise x

[@pamela7462]

@It's me Sia Thanks Sia. Love to you x

[@dougstewart3546]

The Fifth Estate has a tremendous history of high quality investigative journalism. Bob brought his professionalism to report this story and continue to uphold that tradition on this piece . Perhaps this reporting may put some pressure on police to actively reopen this case and bring some justice to those families who lost their elderly relative, particularly when the alledged suspects are still living in Ontario!

[@sharonwashington8150]

Justice needs to be served no matter what it takes. The loss of this poor women's life and others should not be in vain. There are a lot of sick people out there and these ones were too close for comfort by all accounts.

[@roberttrail7013]

It's hard to believe that Kathrine stole $30,000 from a "Christian" school and then was also involved in the theft of money from these elderly people, but yet has never done any jail time. What is wrong the Canadian justice system? She obviously is still up to her old ways as who uses 12 different aliases?

[@bonecholampworks]

Robert Trail we don't have a justice system. We have a legal system. Whomever can con the cops the best or can afford the better lawyer wins. The victims are often treated as if they are the problem.

[@karindesmonds4602]

Robert Trail Canada must be the con men's paradise.

[@Sundertje]

It is called white privilege.

[@OWOT-re5jf]

@@Sundertje Justine Trudeau cuts police funding. Is he tight with the Lanns?

[@justme-cr2zc]

@@Sundertje Why always bring race into it? Not everything is because of race issues. Racial issues are often caused by blaming eveything on race. The black lives matter movement is often overused as an excuse to the point that it is a cause of racial issue.

[@patriciadryden479]

Doesnt Canada have any regulations for the running of care homes. This is a horrific story of what can happen to vulnerable people.

[@ellahill6559]

@ungratefulmetalpansy what do you mean?

[@ellahill6559]

@ungratefulmetalpansy oh God

[@Im_on_couch_arrest]

Any real retirement or long term care facility has huge regulations. I have worked at several and I would say that these homes run by the Laan family would not have been a legal care home.

[@clintoncollier]

To think these predators live among us! Thank you for trying to expose these murderous people...

[@justmissjamey]

They shot the cats, they shot the humans...the cops should be held responsible as well....heartbreaking,,,,,,what an amazing lady to take care and love her cats💜💚

[@kamilahakhtar2339]

People who steal of the poor & sick can't stoop any lower in my eyes 👀

[@luciomain1186]

If they then start raping children under 5 years old would you consider they have stooped lower or still on the same level?

[@GHustle4]

Oh you can go lower then that...

[@unamilan2978]

No matter how much we shame them with the words, believe me it means absolutely nothing to them. Because the lack humanity, and morality, best thing for these kind of people is put them in jail and feed them as little as possible until they have withered away.

[@carltonwalton9819]

una milan you are my spirit animal, no offense!

[@JD-vw2gj]

@@unamilan2978 feed them 💩

[@chrissyliberty8117]

I've watched several of these now and it seems the OPP is very secretive and will never talk to anyone. The people of Ontario need to start insisting on some kind of public oversight

[@Mature-Sassy]

So sad that 4 senior citizens go missing and no one is held accountable...

[@katherineartemisphipps5393]

Joan reminds me so much of my own grandmother...especially her early life. I couldn't even deal with learning if my grandmother had to go through what Joan did...

[@skywriting33]

The reflections of Joan's friend are a reminder to everyone. Very elderly person is 'somebody'. They have lived lives we will never know and have so much to share and teach us. It must be difficult to feel or be perceived as invisible in a world you worked to build. We have lost our reverence for our elders and we really need to get it back.

[@izzaduck8896]

Well put!!! Couldn't agree more, with the sentiments expressed. above With all the 'online' social media activity that people engage in - often with total strangers - too many... are too busy looking at their phones, with no time to pay attention to the elderly persons in our communities. We really need to remember that they too were 'busy, productive and useful' members of society who 'paved the way' for future generations, and give them the respect and acknowledgement that is their due.

[@bonitakeeler7660]

Really, that's what you are worried about? How about the fact that that horrible family took advantage of elderly people, moved them into horrible conditions, fed them crap and then killed them!! Wow!

[@feralchicken2376]

Being in my 50s and single by choice I catch a glimpse of what it means to be invisible. Elderly people are literally a treasure. I could listen to their stories for days. So much wisdom.

[@Thanasis_Koligliatis]

A typo Very elderly person is 'somebody'. You probably mean Every elderly person is 'somebody'.

[@becca5100]

YES!!!

[@HisWordisLife4U]

Why would there be any legitimate reason for a landlord to have access to their tenants checking account?

[@ShavaChihera]

If it's assisted living then the facility receives clients checks.. I couldn't be too sure though.

[@letsgetit7878]

it was actually a common thing for the elders who didnt have any family that could handle their bills so i thought.

[@HisWordisLife4U]

@@letsgetit7878 This is a landlord, not a friend. And clearly they had a scam going to steal these people's money. It's terrible.

[@myfriendscallmek2745]

This is so disgusting. How does it feel to be in a state in which you are capable of doing this to innocent vulnerable people...

[@zuzellogan5613]

What an awful and sad cases these are……4 elderly people disappeared and no one has been charged nor the police had done anything to investigate this “Laan family” and the disappearance of 4 elderly individuals. Absolutely despicable and appalling. What is wrong with the police in Canada??? My gosh, so very sad that these people most likely were murdered and their final days were spent tragically in the hands of an evil family. Very disgusting and disturbing. Tragic.

[@delilahhart4398]

I live in Arkansas in a one-bedroom apartment that's much larger than Joan Lawrence's hovel, and I also pay less in rent than she did. That poor woman!

[@zaidsiddiqui6137]

If these missing people were prominent and wealthy they would have investigated it a whole different way. Money talks. Sad. RIP

[@reverendjimjones9061]

Not entirely true, barry and honey sherman, wealthy owners of big pharma here in canada murdered, in all likely hood the powers that be know exactly who perpetrated the crime, the case has miraculously stalled for some unknown reason, lol, rich or poor is no matter anymore, corruption speaks for itself at any level.

[@daviddykes7410]

Money talks it can buy a person way

[@reverendjimjones9061]

@Sand Hanitizer i realize it being as you state overall, all i was trying to say is there are outliers on occasion.

[@bernicegoldham1509]

@@ninovimo5231 erm. No. considering his first premise was that this can also happen to wealthy people... A direct response to the premise in the original post claiming that if they had been wealthy they would have gotten Justice... no, he actually isn't refuting his own claim. You just arent picking up what was being laid down. Nowhere in his comment did he say or even really imply that money doesn't talk... He said rather explicitly that the corruption around money and power can affect the poor and the wealthy alike. Reading comprehension matters.

[@lisasangria1086]

Sadly, you are correct :-(

[@techlife9853]

Such a sad tragic story ... 5th Estate are amazing for bringing this to the public - I hope those responsible will face justice some day soon

[@Roachichan]

I don't understand how you're even allowed to setup an aged care facility without the proper consents/staff etc. And officials actually checking in, making sure it's running as it should & the elderly are being taken care of. It woulda got shut down here. And they haven't been charged when it's quite obvious they were these elderly peoples primary caregivers. 🙄

[@Cyndogg085]

The Laans must have some type of connections with the police department. How in the world do 4 elderly individuals go missing under their care and they never report it and no one was ever convicted? It's obvious what happened. I hope justice can be served one day.

[@charlottejohnson2070]

Totally agree with you.

[@Rip_Rossss]

It’s the classic two-tiered justice system. One for the rich and connected and one for everyone else.

[@jocelyneallaire1034]

agree with you, this family members who were in involved should of got charge for senior neglict asap!!! Very bad police investigation, not wonder Erin left.

[@mariahunter1784]

I agree also. Please God there will be justice one day for those poor vulnerable people 🙏

[@rebelsnappingturtle5097]

Huntsville has always been shady

[@Praylak]

If I was the cop responding to the women finding dentures in her garden, I would have cordoned off the whole area and unearthed their entire backyard.

[@Praylak]

The grammar lord awakens. Lets see how good yours is after four beers.

[@DetVen]

Not if you were a cop on take and many of them are. Crime shmrime, they could careless unless there was something in it for them.

[@jessicataylor7174]

It's a financial decision made by senior management and not the cops on the scene. Many a crime has been solved when instincts have been allowed to influence decisions that don't appear financially appropriate! If I found dentures in my garden and knew the local whispers, I'd be digging it up myself!

[@wellno7127]

yup you dont find teeth in the middle of no where. i would of done that too.

[@bethaltmann868]

Did the cops NOT dig under those teeth ?

[@susiefoxy8130]

So none of these 'homes' were controlled/inspected by authorities...absolutely shocking...especially as this family had police records!

[@mariahunter1784]

Thanks for highlighting this case guys. These senior citizens needed their story to be told and it has reached me in Ireland. Why was there no searches for these people?? Definitely would be asking the cops very serious questions. 💚🍀

[@tootsd]

This is such a sad story. These people were expendable. The police didn't even care about them.

[@AnnaLVajda]

Yeah what we need are more stories about how incompetent our "authorities" are I've got quite the story about them myself. Be nice to get some statistics about them how many concerns go ignored reports vs follow up and same with courts prosecutions vs convictions plea deals etc. Big problems with our complaints process too.

[@sumayaali1756]

You are absolutely right about that. A crying shame.

[@tumble0weed]

That 'cat lady' sounded like such a beautiful soul. That poem was GOOD. Her heart was good and so vulnerable. i feel so bad for such a kind and sensitive soul... >:(

[@kelliryan464]

Since I was a small child, lakes seem dark and scary and filled with sunken model t vehicles and dead bodies in the lake weed. I was raised on the Pacific coast and could swim in the ocean and loved it. .....but even cottages by a lake seller sinister and menacing.....this persists with me even after 60 years. Stories like this refresh that fear.

[@graceisamazing5493]

I pray constantly. I'm 72 and hope something like this doesn't happen to me, or that I end up in a nursing home.

[@danniaddams5502]

Thank you for giving more backstory on Joan. She was a somebody, and she still is. At least one woman remembered her fondly, and now anyone who watches this knows about her too. A crime unpunished still deserves justice decades later, and I hope parties involved are called to justice before they die. Slap on some animal abuse charges, too. R.I.P Joan Lawrence, Ralph (Dougie) Grant, John Crofts and John Semple. You deserved a much better ending than this.

[@maehaughan2267]

Should the bank not have some responsibility in this?

[@Qrtuop]

Banks are never held accountable for anything

[@marydavison3057]

The Canadian justice system tends to send convicted criminals to stand in the corner and think about what they have done

[@betsamendoza6092]

What do You mean by that?!

[@Cramblit]

@@betsamendoza6092 Means the Canadian justice system is a joke.. Hard criminals and killers get a slap on the wrist, while small things like smoking weed can net you years in prison...

[@harpergrace2510]

Mary Davison ...unfortunately 🇺🇸is turning into like 🇨🇦, criminals and illegals have more rights than citizens😤

[@vitameatvegamin]

How do you steal from elderly , have 4 disappear from your property, not report that , and serve no jail time? How were they not charged for collecting 700 rent for open shed? This is nuts

[@MsBarbaraLee]

Saddest part of this is that most of the worst offences against other people have been, in my experience, perpetrated by those claiming to be devout Christians.

[@picklepoe4480]

The conditions they had the 'cat lady' living in robbing her of her only income of $700 is enough to prosecute those scum bags for elder neglect. I can't believe these people get to go on w their lives considering their past of being repeat offenders and the asinine things they've done and been suspended of doing.

[@issabellacapone6537]

Saddest Story I’ve Ever heard . Just makes me Sick .

[@brenmanock]

This boils my blood. Taking advantage of vulnerable elderly people is as low as it gets.

[@mschau7413]

This is so disturbing, that these poor souls were taken advantage of and foul play we're their demise. I am shocked to hear that Canada turned it's back on investigating these horrible family responsible for this. Sickening. They still have to answer to God. Can't hide misdoings from him.

[@So.ni.a]

Someone please go after these murderers. These 4 persons deserve at least that. It could happen to each one of us one day. Please care for others!

[@charlottejohnson2070]

These 4 and how many more????

[@cate1918]

I'm pretty sure the garden where a set of false teeth resurfaced would be a good starting point, if you're looking for the bodies of 4 elderly people. But wtf do I know

[@johnearly7087]

Sounds reasonable to me!

[@karindesmonds4602]

H Yeah Sad indictment right there.

[@annerison]

I know right! And they never even investigated.

[@stevemisfit1]

You realize it cudve been planted to throw them off. Next time try thinking.

[@luciomain1186]

@@stevemisfit1 COULD have been, but with every potential search area there are 1000's, 1000000's of possible thoughts of why it might not be the place. You don't know until you search. Right, could have been a plant, could have been happenstance, could have been because they are buried there. Maybe next time try to learn why instead of saying, "yeah but what if it's wrong" and do nothing?

[@lizabethfeig9788]

The teeth found in the garden...spooky and telling...there's truly a special place in he'll for those who take advantage of the elderly...

[@suegoulding1341]

My heart goes out desperately to all the the old folk especially the cat lady as I myself help stray cats and there's no way on earth she'd have abandoned her beloved cats. Also the poor cats to have found love then to be murdered alongside their beloved owner and with the other poor souls. Where is the justice... WELL there isn't any!! God bless all you poor souls RIP 🙏

[@drobles394]

Joan Lawrence (the cat lady) never had a chance and those poor cats must of been scared and sad when she never came back. It is sad those people were used for their $.

[@kieshiaangell2387]

The cats all were shot. I'm guessing the landlords did it so people wouldn't go around the property trying to round them up.

[@jimontgomery3865]

Truly depressing and heartbreaking to kill all these cats

[@CalloPasta]

Cats are unloyal, devious creatures.

[@Jacobe]

Quality work. Thank you Fifth Estate. Spread the word about the Laan family. The people involved are absolutely disgusting. They have a habit of preying on the unfortunate.

[@larauch13]

Very enjoyable. Thank you for the tour.

[@Bengal-BoyRyu]

We need an update on this. My family owned property in Muskoka since the 1800s over a mile of lake front on Lenard lake. Its so sad to think there are such horrible people still out there.

[@nrvouspotatoe1519]

Guess the Laan family were right in their thinking that no one would care enough about these elderly folks to thoroughly investigate what happened when they went missing. In my mind, OPP are culpable in allowing that assumption to be true and for the deaths of the other 3 because they didn't do what needed to be done after that initial report. Unconscionable.

[@dans.6525]

WHY DOESN’T THE POLICE ASSUME THE WORST & HOPE FOR THE BEST? ? ?

[@waindalton8575]

“Ye shall know them by their fruits” is a useful saying.

[@malvinazzz]

Wain Dalton *bible verse*

[@noviceprice2731]

Her reading made me cry.

[@We_Are_All_Vultures]

$700 a month????? For a fallen down shack??? Being a caring, compassionate, selfless and giving "cat lady" is an absolute compliment if you understand what it entails. As an aspiring cat lady myself, may she rest in peace ✨🕯️🐾

[@najaraob]

System is way way beyond broken look how they are living their best lives while these people are dead

[@yohanneschane3647]

Somebody disappeared at old age. Someone was found appropriating his /her money. What do you deduce from this?

[@remnant0888]

Duh? They killed them

[@leem200]

The cat lady was still somebody up until the day she died. She still mattered and did not shed who she. Had to correct that. Peace! A homeless person is somebody. We all have value.

[@covetgreener3640]

Thank you 😌

[@JET7C0]

32:27 So, after the retirement homes closed down, one of these guys started breaking into elderly people's homes and robbing them at knife/gunpoint, and after getting out of prison for that, became a repairman advertising a "senior citizen discount" (I'm sure he never overcharges!). Nothing insanely incriminating about that in relation to the 4 disappearances from the family retirement home. They obviously killed these people.

[@teltn84]

Truly impressed by this journalism! Thank you for being real and actually CARING about what you do and the people’s stories you share!!!

[@tjlightningbolt]

The Silence of the Laans....

[@clintoncollier]

Brilliant! A lightningbolt indeed!

[@kathleenhebert2278]

So sad, but true😢

[@eshjane]

Florida passed a law a few years ago to protect seniors. CHAPTER 825 ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND EXPLOITATION OF ELDERLY PERSONS AND DISABLED ADULTS 825.101 Definitions. 825.102 Abuse, aggravated abuse, and neglect of an elderly person or disabled adult; penalties. 825.1025 Lewd or lascivious offenses committed upon or in the presence of an elderly person or disabled person. 825.103 Exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult; penalties. 825.104 Knowledge of victim's age. 825.105 Good faith assistance. 825.106 Criminal actions involving elderly persons or disabled adults; speedy trial.

[@daisy8297]

In my experience it is not uncommon to find self-titled compassionate and committed Christians to be anything but that. Some people hide behind their devout facade only to be the most despicable human beings. This family is beyond all human decency - truly sickening, despicable, disgusting inhumane people who prey on everyone they come into contact with.

[@WilliamHBaird-eq2hp]

Iv'e been binge watching The Fifth Estate. The documentaries are so well done!

[@sarahjustice526]

William H. Baird why

[@patmalone7066]

Sling tv movies

[@Fallen_Venus]

Me too!

[@lica1598]

Watch the Dellen Millard one. You'll like that one!

[@WilliamHBaird-eq2hp]

@@sarahjustice526 Because they are well done. Perhaps you should watch one

[@sharonkeasling4403]

This really ticks me off. Everyone that knew her living conditions & what went on with "the man with his hands out" every time she had money failed her.

[@cheatednomore6430]

I agree with you wholeheartedly. Just want to add that, even with ALL the sinister information the police do know about, nothing has been accomplished and no one held accountable. I truly wonder if they would have done anything to help, even if people called in to report what they saw. But, yes, especially the woman who saw her handing a pile of money to that guy & knew that she never got her tax return, she should have made a report. They know it now, and not a thing has come of it though.

[@heatherbowlan1961]

Thank you for your investigation work for us Canadians just found your channel on utube, so glad 😀 your new subscriber!

[@Lisa1111]

If my 94 year old mama ever "vanished", you also would.

[@delilahhart4398]

And they all look like nice, normal people in the wedding photos. But they always do, don't they?

[@jenk6895]

Delilah Hart Not ALWAYS but often :). Sometimes...they really DO look creepy AF.

[@playdohsrepublic5149]

Well, I bet you look like a nice, normal person in your photos. Maybe we should be suspicious.

[@johnzelenak9432]

NO THEY DON'T! UNCLE LOOKS LIKE CREEP! LANDLORD WOULD NOT BE MINE! HE LOOKS WEIRD!

[@janetteellingham4982]

Delilah Hart Just remember the photos of Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka. The two of them had already murdered her sister when their wedding photos were taken

[@jagmaster6595]

There’s enough evidence to get a life sentence for the whole family

[@9catlover]

just awful that an educated trustworthy woman who once had a career would end up reliant on these scheming evil people. utterly sad to reach the end of your life that way.

[@Brembelia]

This case represent a complete failure of the government. There should be laws that require an agency to chech out where someone is being transfered, and not allow criminals to sweet-talk kidnap older citizens. Where was Social Services in all of this? Did no one report this to the police or the main government about the conditions these people were living in? Because of technology, we tout ourselves as being the more evolved society than those of the past, but it's cases like these that tell the true story. This never should have been allowed to happen. Governments these days are a complete mess thanks to corporate intervention.

[@SandraNelson063]

Going to church and calling yourself a christian doesn't make you a christian. I could put on a black dress and slap a crown on my head, but that doesn't make me Queen Victoria. There was no one looking out for these seniors, they had no one to speak up for them or care about them. That's why this family was able to prey on them. If the province had cared, someone would have been sent out to inspect the "seniors home" to make sure it met livable standards. The bank that issued payment on the tax return cheque didn't double check the signature. I worked briefly as a bank teller, and I would have been checking that signature with a signature card from the bank's file of cards. The differences would have been spotted, the head teller and manager would be notified, and the person trying to cash the cheque would have some explaining to do. The person the tax refund was issued to would be asked to explain what was going on as well. These seniors were "disappeared" so they couldn't complain about missing money. They couldn't be questioned about shenanigans concerning their tax refunds. Which is fine, because the government doesn't care. The Laans know exactly where the bodies are. But the OPP are letting it slide. There's enough circumstantial evidence to haul certain folks in for hard grilling, but no one seems to care. Just four lost elderly souls, with no connections to wealthy important people who might have pressured the OPP to get the work done. Northern Ontario is huge. Those four bodies won't be found unless one of the Laans decides to tell.

[@shanekane8380]

Sandra Nelson ~ Articulate and Well Said! Couldn't agree more w/every aspect you've given. This is nothing short of preventable tragedy. Wish your expertise could have engaged w/this scam in preventing such needless death. Unfortunate this can't be resolved, to find justice. They deserved more!

[@raymondmckay7240]

Yeah but that's what Christians always say, when one of their own church members do evil. Keep in mind its not an isolated case. Its routinely common where Christians do bad things. From the BTK serial killer to catholic priests molesting children to defrauding the disadvataged throughout the world, Christians doing evil acts are quite common practice. All they need to do is repent and Jesus forgives and then you can be called a Christian again.

[@cellis3045]

Well said Sandra x

[@aslmad1]

They're not actual Christians

[@mclovin7501]

Sandra Nelson - very well said. this will continue to happen if the Canadien justice system doesnt change and justin trudno and kathlenn continue not to do anything but turn a blind eye, very soon. its all about street justice in Canada there is no other justice. im only 31 years old and ive already learned to only believe half of what i see, none of what i hear, because i know the system. trust no one. Canadas justice system is corrupt they probably had this planned with opp+ involved.

[@sierradrinkwalterxo]

Terrifying because I live where this all happened, Muskoka. You’d never think of something like this happening here..

[@letitiamccann1317]

Hi it looks so lovely there dus eney one see them l am so up set by all this peple now wat was going on and dun nuthing gust as bad hop thy get them

[@pathader4839]

Why didn't any of these people intervene? Take her out of there find her another place. How could she survive with no door, no insulation, and hardly any heat in the Canadian winter?

[@kateunused]

well presented, thanks! May I ask why the police aren't accountable for not investigating or charging anyone? How horrid that this could happen to any of us as we age ... Sadly it's my experience that many 'devious' people claim 'Christianity" to gain access and trust.

[@anikopipis8918]

That's sad...very sad, noone should ever been left alone at elderly age.

[@mintieu]

If hes a plumber and heating guy I would check the walls and renovations that were done on the house

[@charlottejohnson2070]

Yeah and for secret cameras

[@curlycindy]

One neighbor said she found dentures in her yard and called police. She heard nothing of it. Well I thought dentures could be traced to dentist who made them.

[@Zyxwvutsrqponmlkjih]

Aw the cat lady seems like a sweetheart. Her poor cats 💔