Wilbert Coffin was born on October 23, 1915, in the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region of Quebec, Canada. Coffin became a prospector, which means he searched for valuable minerals and resources in the ground.

Wilbert Coffin was accused of murdering three men in the Gaspé region of Quebec in 1953. Eugene Lindsey, his son Richard, and friend Frederick Claar went hunting in the woods. Shortly after their trip, the remains of Eugene were found on July 15, 1953, partially eaten by bears. Eight days later, the bodies of Richard and Frederick were found around 2.5 miles away.

Coffin was arrested because he was found with some of the men's belongings. He faced accusations of ambushing the men and stealing more than $600 from them. Coffin claimed he had found the items when he discovered the men’s abandoned vehicle.

After his trial, Coffin was convicted of murder. He received seven reprieves but was ultimately denied clemency by the Quebec Court of Appeals, the Canadian Supreme Court, and the cabinet of Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent. Coffin was executed by hanging on February 10, 1956. He had wished to marry his partner Marion Petrie before his execution, but this request was denied.

In 1958, Frederick Gilbert Thompson confessed to the murders, claiming that Johnny Green was involved in Richard's death. However, he later recanted his confession, and his statements were not seen as credible.