Killing of Canadian snowbirds in Pompano Beach remains unsolved

Golf View Estates Mobile Home Park residents fear for their safety

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – Every six months, Marc Gagne and his wife, Rita Gagne, traveled from Canada to the Golf View Estates Mobile Home Park in Pompano Beach. They won't be going back to Canada. Broward Sheriff's Office deputies are investigating after the couple was killed. 

Mark Gagne, 80, and Rita Gagne, 78, were both wearing their pajamas when they died at 770 Birdie Lane.

A neighbor, who had not heard from them, found them dead Friday.

Susie Riel, a grieving neighbor, said she first met the Canadian snowbirds about 26 years ago and said they were great people.

"They always said, 'Hello! How are you?' They would speak a little bit," Riel said. 

Riel said they were from Saint-Côme–Linière, a municipality in the Chaudière-Appalaches region of Quebec. It's another loss for the couple's family. Neighbors said they were still mourning their daughter's death. She died of cancer in February.  

One of Marc and Rita Gagne's nephews started a GoFundMe page to support the unexpected transport that will be required between Canada and Florida. The money will also help family members to attend funeral service and add to the reward money.

Without a suspect description or an arrest, Golf View Estates Mobile Home Park residents said they are worried about their safety. BSO deputies are asking anyone with information about the deaths to call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $3,000.


About the Authors:

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.