Everyday for nearly a decade, the family of Mike Leblanc go through the pain of not having him by their side.
During holidays, birthdays and even celebrations of new grandchildren.
This coming Tuesday, September 24, 2019 will be the tenth anniversary of Mike Leblanc’s murder.
Leblanc was found murdered in the bedroom at his Pochon Avenue home in Port Hope he shared with his common-law wife of 16 years,
Catherine Andrus and their 16-year-old son who found him.
Leblanc was 53-years-old at the time of his murder. Andrus was 49-years old.
Three years later in a Oshawa courtroom on November 27, 2012 Catherine Andrus pled guilty to second degree murder on her 53rd birthday.
Andrus was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 12 years. Since she had been in jail since 2010, Andrus received two years for time served.
At the time the judge called it a “vicious, callous, cowardly killing.”
Leblanc was found in the couple’s bed having been beaten to death by a aluminum baseball bat.
The judge said the autopsy showed Leblanc was struck so hard anyone of the five blows could have killed him.
Leblanc is the father of three children of his own, two step children and 11 grandchildren. He was a hard working man that loved the outdoors, including fishing and loved spending time with his family.
His two daughters, Tina Walters of Port Hope and Tami O’Connor from Cobourg sat down and spoke with Today’s Northumberland.
“We want to remember him, but we’re having to deal with a lot of stuff,” said Walters sitting in her kitchen with her sister and a framed photo of their father.
Andrus is coming up for parole on October 17 at Grand Valley Institute for Women in Kitchener where she is serving her sentence.
Both sisters are adamant, “murder is murder and life should be life.”
During the time Leblanc and Andrus were together, she was a trusted member of the family. Since the time of her arrest, family members have felt betrayed, hurt and feel the guilt of not seeing the signs of what would happen to their father sooner.
“Nobody ever thought it could be her,” said O’Connor.
“She put on the show,” said Walters.
Andrus played the role of “the grieving widow” very well.
“For 15 years she was our parent. We never thought that person who was nice and caring would turn into this person.”
O’Connor even played ball with her the following summer.
Since the murder of Leblanc, the family has been without their patriarch. The rock that held the family together.
With the upcoming parole hearing, they are very concerned she may be released.
“I think the public needs to know we have no rights. The criminal has more rights than we do,” said O’Connor.
“She can be around our area, but we have to deal with seeing her and the affect it’s going to have on family, friends and everybody who knew dad.”
Walters said, “the courts have all the cards.”
Since Andrus pled guilty the family has been trying to find a new “normal” but with the upcoming hearing it’s another setback.
“It’s just like the day it happened.”
Andrus has been out of prison on escorted day passes the sisters have heard.
“I’d like a day that my dad can come out,” said Walters.
“But it’s not going to happen. So why the hell should it happen for somebody that killed him.”
“It’s almost like they’re saying dad’s death didn’t matter – she has more rights.”
O’Connor would like to know how it’s possible to rehabilitate someone who has committed murder so they don’t do it again.
The sisters and other family members feel their should be public outrage they are even considering letting Andrus out of prison.
“You think about it everyday,” said O’Connor.
“It’s never out of your mind,” said Walters.
“You’re constantly thinking about what if he was still here. You’re trying to piece back your life. He’s missing everything.”
Both sisters have high praise for the investigators saying they did a “phenomenal job” and worked tirelessly on the investigation including OPP Detective Inspector Shawn Glassford and retired officers Port Hope Police Sgt. Peter Thivierge and Detective Constable Steve Charles.
For anyone who would like to sign the petition the link is http://m.facebook.com/groups/511773579369373?view=permalink&id=511815806031817
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
