Lionel Joseph Daigle, a 58-year-old resident of a special care facility in Saint John, New Brunswick, vanished without a trace on April 3, 2011.
Despite extensive investigations, media appeals, and the passage of over 14 years, his whereabouts remain unknown, making this one of New Brunswick's most enduring missing persons cases.
This comprehensive report examines all available evidence, circumstances, and potential theories surrounding his disappearance.
Case Overview
Lionel Joseph Daigle was born circa 1952, making him 58 years old at the time of his disappearance.
He was a resident of the New Direction Special Care Home, located on the west side of Saint John, New Brunswick.
Standing 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 137 pounds, Lionel had a slim build with short salt and pepper hair and brown eyes.
Mental Health Status
A crucial aspect of Lionel's profile was his documented mental health condition.
According to police reports, he "had mental health issues and required regular medication".
This detail is significant as it indicates he was likely dealing with a chronic psychiatric condition that necessitated ongoing pharmaceutical management.
The nature of his specific mental health diagnosis was not disclosed in public reports, but his residence in a special care facility suggests it was serious enough to require supervised living arrangements.
Living Situation
Lionel resided at the New Direction Special Care Home, a facility that provided residential care for adults with mental health challenges and other disabilities.
This organization, which had been operating since the late 1970s in the Saint John area, offered community residential services for vulnerable adults who required support with daily living activities and medication management.
Circumstances of Disappearance
The Day He Vanished
On April 3, 2011, at approximately 11:00 AM, Lionel left the New Direction Special Care Home.