Quebec’s police ethics commissioner has initiated an investigation into the actions of the Lévis police service following the disappearance and tragic death of 13-year-old Maëlyne Lugez in 2024.
The incident garnered significant attention across the province. A recent coroner’s report revealed that Maëlyne was likely alive when the ground search for her was halted in Lévis, Quebec.
Coroner Luc Malouin’s report, dated September 3, 2026, highlighted that the Service de police de la Ville de Lévis (SPVL) was solely responsible for suspending the search for Maëlyne less than 12 hours after she was reported missing.
Subsequently, a police ethics investigation was launched on September 29 to determine whether the police officers’ actions breached the Code of Ethics. The ethics commissioner website stated that they became aware of the case on November 11, 2025.
Chief coroner Reno Bernier ordered a public inquiry into Maëlyne’s death after an initial report by coroner Sophie Réginière suggested that Maëlyne died accidentally, possibly before she was reported missing.
Maëlyne’s father expressed doubts about Réginière’s findings, mentioning his daughter’s mental health challenges and suicidal tendencies at the time of her disappearance.
The SPVL initiated a ground search after Maëlyne left school on November 6, which was halted later that evening. The coroner’s report by Malouin refrained from definitively stating whether Maëlyne would have survived had the search not been suspended.
The Lévis police stated that they are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation and refrained from commenting further due to the ongoing nature of the case.
Mayor Steven Blaney expressed confidence in the police force’s transparency and collaboration in the investigation, acknowledging the challenging situations officers face and their commitment to thoroughness.
Since October 2024, the Police Act empowers Quebec’s police ethics commissioner to conduct investigations proactively if misconduct is suspected, gathering information from media reports to determine the necessity of an inquiry.
Upon the investigation’s conclusion, the commissioner may dismiss the case or summon individuals for inquiry before the police ethics tribunal. The case might also be referred to Quebec’s Directeur des poursuites criminelles et pénales.
If you or someone you know is struggling, several resources are available for support, including Talk Suicide Canada, Kids Help Phone, and the Hope for Wellness Helpline. Additional guides on discussing suicide prevention are also provided by various mental health organizations.
