When people question why victims never came forward in the past they can use this as a reason but now days there are far fewer reasons to stay quiet with cameras all over major towns its much easier to catch these scumbags. And we must never forget there are people who benefit from victimhood who wont report.. or will report when it can't be proven in order to get everyone to feel sorry for them, coming forward as quickly as possible is the best way to have things resolved and should be taught in schools.
@@dawfydd You’re part of the problem with this kind of thinking. To say and think people benefit from being a sexual abuse victim and will only report it to garner sympathy is a reason why victims won’t come forward. As a sexual abuse survivor who didn’t come out right away, there was absolutely nothing I benefited from by being a victim. It has been a hindrance to my life. I feared no one would believe me and unfortunately I was correct in some instances. It’s really sad that you even said this
When a judge has the temerity to sit on the bench and declare that a pedophile's sexual abuse of a child is not serious, one begins to wonder about the sexual proclivities of the judge.
It is vile/disguisting that the catholic church protects these pedeophiles. These other people defending him in his crimes should be ashamed for downplaying the impact of his crimes.
I am fuming listening to this. “His crimes weren’t that serious” Are you kidding me? This still happens, and I do not understand. How can someone not protect children?
It's hard to hit the "like" button on something that makes me so angry I could scream. However, they have done a wonderful job probing into this story and bringing it to more people in a sensitive and clear manner. Good job. Oh, I did hit the "like" button. I'm still angry though.
@@barbarawhittall2311 A few seminaries were taken over by commie pxdos in the 1950s and 1960s. The SAME seminaries still groom young men to then become predators themselves. The RCC has done nothing about it.
The judge that gave him no jail time that first time saying they were low level crimes!?! What a real sicko! He should have went to jail himself for this.
My hunch is much the same. This judge was vile and subjected each victim to further abuse/trauma by his open dismissal of their pain and the atrocities they endured at the hands of this "Man of God". Disgusting. 😡😞😡 Not only by his inaction, but his actively reducing his sentencing, he is condoning his crimes and showing empathy with only the perpetrator. No such courtesies were offered to the victims. Absolutely criminal.
It is beyond disgusting that sex crimes, especially against children are so downplayed. Like to me hurting a child like this should get you life in prison minimum.
it should have been solved decade's ago. poorboy. there should be no statute of limitations for sexual abuse of a child. it is a crime against humanity.
i agree no statute of limitations and no punishment for parents/guardians/loved ones that go off their handles and hurt or kill someone who SA one of their loved ones its how the world works eye for an eye if someone were to hurt one of my daughters they best pray the cops catch em first god may be forgiving but im not god and i dont have to forgive sorry for ranting
I feel that Danny decided on that fatal day that he was no longer going to be abused by that sick man and that he was going to tell and that sick priest was going to make sure he didnt tell anyone. I hope Danny and all those abused by the priest are residing in the afterlife in peace. 🙏
For some reason, although unrelated in subject matter, your comment reminds me of my interpretation of Marilyn Monroe. And, very well-articulated. Thank you!
@@stephaniek1076 the whitehouse keeps a phone log. After getting dumped by jfk she called the Whitehouse over 100 times. She threatened to out him. She also did a pictorial with a brunette wig wearing clothes similar to what jackie wore. That'll get you dead
Those coming forward are so brave. They are so scared they will not be believed and in most cases they are not. The actual abuse is horrific, the lifelong scars are unbearable but not being believed - to be called a liar - is beyond heartbreaking. I know. I was one that came forward.
It’s actually suppose to be embarrassment that stops the kid from coming forward than anything else they think other kids will call them names etc my country is 97 pc Catholic and we don’t have a parish priest nobody goes to mass so the Priests are used only for marriage ,first holy communion etc .
@@dr.feelgood.1330 You are absolutely right. The embarrassment and the fear of coming forward in an environment where priests are the embodiment of the word of God and where sex is a taboo. That kept all the young victims silent.
In 1978 I was 6 yrs old and told my mom I joined a club at the priest house later on she said the priest knocked in to say it was full and he’d come back when there was room. Only this year my sister said my mom lied because she didn’t want me or my brother who is a year younger at that club in a priests house. If my mom knew they were bad why did people take chances with them plus this happened in Ireland the priest was known as the singing priest Micheal Cleary who was jailed in the 90s. Thanks mom rest In heaven you were the best ☘️☘️🇺🇸☘️✌️.
@@sandib4234 Thank you Sandi B when we got rid of the British our leader was shot dead by fools 100 yrs ago and the new leader gave the country to the Church so they had all the civil cirvant jobs like school teachers, nurses , everything and rule with an iron fist. They are gone now and sold all “our property “ to developers for straight cash no charities got a penny it’s all a scam believe in Jesus your way because we can all read today no need for a third party, love you all and God bless ✌️☘️
@@littleredwitch hmm it did she hated them for a poor country back then all they ever did was tell us to feed Africa while we had nothing that was them and thank you 🙏 ☘️🇺🇸✌️
One thing about this story I can relate to: Some 25 years ago, a young man in our church confessed that he was sexually abused by our Church deacon. Immediately, about half of our Church backed the deacon because of "all the good things he did" for our parish. Luckily, this was at a time when the prosecution of sexual abuse in the Church was going strong, so the deacon was relieved of his duties. The boy's story was proven to be true . Eventually, at least two other boys came forward with stories on how this deacon sexually abused them as well. The deacon served no time, yet the church members still blamed the original boy for "trying to make money to pay for his college" (the boy never asked for any money). Old ways die hard!
Your story is very much along the lines of what happened to me in a New Age group. I joined a group of women interested in the books of best-selling author Lynn V Andrews. We would meet monthly and go on retreats. One day , 2 women who had gotten into her inner circle confided in me that the believed she was a "psychopath" and believed she was a sexual deviant. They tol me they were afraid of her. But when i said we had to tell the others, these 2 became enraged with me ! They said it didnt matter ! She was helping people ! I said shes dangerous and is counseling troubled people. No matter- they were invested . When i tried to tell the others some did not believe me, some got angry ( at me ) and one said so what? Its fun, i dont care now shut up about it. I was shocked but have since learned more about human nature...
Speaking as a survivor of childhood SA, my heart breaks for the victims in this case. They got NO justice and it's deplorable. Thankfully in my case, my abuser spent most of the time he had left on this earth behind bars. My heart and prayers go out to all victims, but especially those that were denied justice by the legal system. ❤🙏❤
Sarah, I am so sorry you had to endure that. This story hits home because I too was abused by a member of the clergy, who is still free to this day living his life as if he never hurt anyone when I am one of many. You are in my thought and I hope that you are doing well.
Sexual abuse is akin to a disease that you do not necessarily die from directly, although certainly through suicide, drug abuse to escape the pain etc., and one that you never get over as there are no medications to lessen its effect. So, in effect, an indirect murder, a torture crime that continues to disrupted a life that may have been enjoyed were it not for another person's decision that is ok to destroy someone else's life!!!
@@sharpedge3355 This is so true. It certainly changes who you are as a person and your outlook on life, and as a result changes your course and journey. It took me years to come to terms with my childhood abuse. I've accepted who I am as a result of how I grew up, taken the lessons and learned a ton about forgiveness...I've grown into a woman I love, although there are many hills and valleys of course, and I'm still healing. I've raised four wonderful children that I adore with my whole heart, and although they might tell you I was a little too overprotective, lol, I certainly made sure that harm did not come to them the way it came to me, so that they were free to grow into who they are, and instead of needing healing from their past, they can focus on building their future. Thank you all for your kind words...I send that positive energy and love right back to you. ❤
The sexual underworld is a network so deep, they probably had something on the judge, OR he was part of the network too. It's still a huge problem today!
Its always a bitter pill when the perpetrator dies before justice can be given. I to believe in a higher power and this man will be judged harshly. Excellent work. A thoughtfully presented story.
That. #*%&ing. Judge. It sickens me each and every time someone states that a (physical) crime against a victim “isn’t that bad” compared to all of the promise and/or good deeds the perpetrator has done. Yes. It. Is.
A very well presented and captivating two-part Heavy Casefiles.I'm relieved that this young man's remaining family members were able to receive some answers and possibly closure after so long.
The "it happened to me and I've buried the trauma or paid it forward" spectrum of silent sexual abuse. People tend to have a weird unconscious resentment about things that they endured that they feel like others should have to suffer them also.
Sexual abuse, particularly by people in positions of trust, aren't just things that happen. They DESTROY a child. The consequences are lifelong. It took me many years of hard work, therapy, medication . . . Work on my end. Not to mention the effect on those who loved me. It took time, patience, and never ending support to be the healthy human I am today. But what happened has created PTSD, among other diagnoses, which affect how I interact with others, how I parent my own children, my relationship with my husband, EVERY facet of life is touched by childhood SA. I cannot grasp how pedophiles commit such evil, egregious crimes. Also- pedophiles *cannot* be rehabilitated. Ever. They must be locked away, forever. They are ALWAYS a danger to society.
The fact that he hadn't even served any jail time for CONFIRMED sexual assault of young boys/men is truly disgusting. It does destroy lives!! And probation is salt on the victims' wounds.
This is the reason why my dad never allowed us to go to church .. we are all 6 girls and he was very protective and now I understand why . There’s always been a bad stigma with all churches not just Catholics . You can’t trust anyone not teachers or priests..
@@watcher6555 I wasn’t allows to stayed in after school clubs or anything like that . I would Do the same if I was a parent . There’s so many teachers sexually assaulting children and teenagers here in Chicago. it’s disgusting ..
There are bad authority figures everywhere. That’s narrow minded to demonize ALL churches. It’s one thing for your father to be worried but it sounds like he instilled his own prejudices to you.
@@gigglyme2001 my dad was abused as a child and I didn’t accuse all churches . Don’t speak about someone and then sound ignorant . I have no idea why you people watch channels like these and want to judge people right away Based on their opinions .. you can leave
Just wanted to say - I have been watching your channel for maybe 2 years, but this has to be your best video series yet. Thank you for covering this case.
This story has haunted me since I watched part one. It just boggles my mind how much the church covered up regarding priests.I have to add that is also is crazy that the courts dismissed his behavior because he was a good man in so many other deeds. They just refused to understand that there was a devil underneath these people. So many people got away with these atrocities to the world’s children because of who they were and the financial support they received.
The church leaders were likely abusers as well, and abusers will always protect their circle. In fact, if Levine had been the one to call Danny's family after, that would make a lot of sense. He said Danny had "seen beyond the circle" and had to die. Seriously screwed up!!!
If you really want yo be shocked by the prevalence of the scandal, and the reason that it continues today, look up Church Militant's many discussions of the sec abuse issue. If certain bishops and cardinals are not removed from their posts, in 20-30 years we will see another round of crimes as bad as these. Be aware though, Church Militant is a very conservative channel and will say many things unappetizing for those of a more liberal mindset. I am not Catholic, but I have found them very informative.
The mind boggles? When I was at a religious school umpteen decades ago kids were being molested. Religion? God? If there is/was a "God" he/she must be having an interesting time viewing all that goes on under their watch. After all, he/she created the whole thing to begin with, right?
His admission at the end to the detective was pure evil. He had no remorse in his voice at all. So sorry to Danny's family and anybody that came in contact with this devil.
After hearing this case I haven’t been this disgusted in a long time. I can’t believe his family went through this knowing they would never get justice.
@@MKCarol-ms7lg Oh please, that's not real. We shouldn't hide behind imaginary stories to brush off the complicity, corruption and the aiding and abetting of criminals by the justice system instead of them helping victims. Even if he rotted in hell (he isn't), that wouldn't help his victims. He should have been prevented from hurting them in the first place, here on earth where it would've mattered.
@@girlwhomustnotbenamed4139 I disagree with you about the imaginary part; but I was stating why his parents could handle not getting earthly justice. I believe when criminals can be prosecuted and punished they should be. I also believe child sexual abuse should have stronger sentences, life sentences in some cases.
@@MKCarol-ms7lg I agree with girlwhomust notbenamed. As a Catholic I have experienced nothing coming even close to "spiritual salvation/enlightenment" where religion is concerned. To me it is much like believing in Santa, the Easter Bunny, etc. But hey, whatever floats your boat, right?
24:57 "I saw him face down in the water." Detective: "Just the way you left him, after you killed him?" Lavigne: "That's right." Cancer is too good for people like this.
The judge was upset that Levines crimes ruined his career and he was upset at the press for covering what happened 🤔 What??? Seriously? I'm not shocked because ita not that we haven't heard this said many times about many other disgusting people..... I'm just disgusted.
Do these AWFUL men in positions of religious power feel like they’re allowed to abuse children & rob them of innocence?? I genuinely don’t understand how ANY adult could do this to a child, but why/how has the Catholic church notoriously been able to get away with this for DECADES? This is literally their legacy at this point. It’s beyond fathomable reason. RIP Danny.
Men in positions of all kinds take advantage of children. Beware of your child’s male teachers, coaches, and yes priest. Those saying the evil also exists in women equally need to look at the stats- it does not. The sexual crimes against minors are overwhelming committed against female victims 88%, and by male perps 85%. Most are known but not related to the minor victim 60%, and 30% are related to the victim. It is sick that a trusted adult would exploit the innocence of a child at all, and depraved to do so for their own sexual gratification. May they rot in hell for an eternity
I lived in Shelburne Falls, MA where they had a big church rally of supporters of Lavigne. Ironically, one of his most staunch defenders were a couple who carried placards for Father Lavign - ironic because it would come out soon after that two of their sons were being regularly abused by Lavigne at the very time they defended him. He was truly and deeply evil.
My family were long-time Shelburne residents. Most were in that rally. My grandfather, however, despised Lavigne from the start and would drive to Charlemont for Communion. We should all have that man’s bs detector.
@@jillelizabeth1737 Such a beautiful town for such ugliness. I still miss the falls, Bridge of Flowers etc. For awhile I had The Little Bookshop on Main street.
My little guy will never step foot in a church, go-to boy scouts, sleep over at friends house or be left alone with any man ever these perverts are everywhere and I'd hate to have to go-to prison for life for taking justice into my own hands
There is a book documenting this whole thing. It is called "Death of an Altar Boy". I highly recommend it for even more information and just how many other priests were involved.
Heavy Casefiles, I would like to congratulate you on your content, and specifically for the fact that you do not censor words like rape, sexual abuse and so forth. Many channels revel in covering adult content such as this but bleep out or erase words that would result in their uploads being age restricted, which I think is cynical and hypocritical, especially as some of these channels call out other dubious practices by TH-camrs garnered to illicit more views.
Found out why so many censor: TH-cam agreement states they can be flagged, & then demonetize any video that contain words associated with acts of sexual assault ( & also, a few other negative situations ). Because they don’t feel their advertisers would want to be associated with such videos. So far, this one hasn’t been flagged... I counted over ten advertisements.
I watch a lot of these cases. I must say this is The Best I have ever watched. You did justice to Danny, his family and his memory. Thank you for your Excellence on reporting this case.
Thanks to the Boston Globe's investigative reporters, who continued hunting down the stories of sexual predators in the priesthood, in the face of huge opposition by the Church.
Yes you just made my day the first part was outstanding work you did to make this case. I love the fact you do your homework for these stories and tell them so well thanks.
There aren't words for the anger I feel about that piece of human detritus managing to dodge responsibility for a life spent victimising children... nor for the revolting individuals who protected & enabled his abuse while re-victimising the very people they are not only sworn & duty-bound but _morally obligated_ to protect above all else - children. The judges, cardinals, law enforcement, community leaders & _any_ adult who inflicted psychological torment on the victims in defence of that monster should think about how close their actions put them on the morality scale. Thank you for sharing such an important story - thoughts with Danny. his family & all victims of abuse 💜🤍
My heart breaks for anyone who has been abused by these monsters. I, too, was a victim who suffered Sexual and physical abuse from age 10 to 12 at the hands of a priest. When I spoke of it, no one believed me and I was shunned. I ended up leaving the church., otherwise I would’ve committed suicide due to the abuse being unbearable.
You are strong and i hope you will find peace and strength. As to who did it to you will hopefully get some trauma similar to what they did to you. (Had to correct my comment, phrased it wrong before)
This was an incredible series, thank you for the research you did. This is my local area, and I stopped going to mass because of the Boston diocese ignoring the voices of children. The parish we went to in NH had a priest in the 1970s that harmed children. That was enough for me. How can parents trust this much?
Part one of this was recommended to me by the algorithm, and I'm glad it was! This was such a sad case, but I really appreciate the sensitivity and thoroughness that you presented it with.
I love how thoroughly but gently you tell these stories. And that you always let the last word spoken on the video be the words of the victim’s families. That’s how it should be.
The judge, the Church officials, and all persons in this case, who were supposed to be after justice, seriously need their heads examined! How dare a judge say that he doesn't feel as though these charges were not all that serious!! Appaling!
This is one of the best true crime documentaries I've seen. You did a wonderful job with research and chronology. This was so heartbreaking 💔. I hope he is happy in heaven with his family. Such an awful tragedy.
This literally gave me chills! So sad the parents didn't get to see the case solved and that Lavigne didn't get to serve time in jail!! How terrible! Prayers to Danny's family! 🙏🏼
I am in awe of your research skills and the way you lay out the chronology of events and do careful fact-checking. This two-part case, as with all of your cases, was presented with compassion and hope as you brought the story to its full-circle conclusion. I never miss your true-crime videos, which are very well done.
Wow! This is an incredible story. You are an amazing story teller. I’m glad you broke it into two parts. This must have been incredibly draining and hard on you! Your style is so crystal clear, laying down fact after fact over 2 weeks. Thank you for your amazing work!
When he plead guilty, the judge said he didn't send him to jail because he didn't view the crimes as serious. Really? Maybe the judge was into those same activities.
These child predators make me so mad and sick. For someone to prey on such a vulnerable person such as a child is really disgusting, especially when the child looks up to the person, trusts the person, and the person is a person in authority.
Exceptional video and narration of Danny’s life and untimely death. What happened to Danny was unforgivable and such a tragedy that affected the family for decades. The questions immediately put upon the PO by Rev. Lavigne at the time of Danny’s discovered body, certainly created a great amount of suspicious behaviour. As for the judge that was presiding over that one specific case with regards to Rev. Lavignes victims, his comments were sickening and inexcusable. No person, wearing the cloth of god or not, should be given any amount of empathy or compassion in regards to their acts. Sexual abuse is an act that is violent crime, the only appropriate title. Though I am thankful that Danny’s killer was finally exposed, Danny’s family endured immeasurable amount of grief, loss, heartbreak and unacceptable attacks on their character. This was such a compelling case with many details and hard work carried out by LE to get the answers that were needed. I am glad that they were at least able to publicly expose their findings to expose Rev. Lavigne as the true killer. My heart goes out to Danny’s family and everyone that was a victim of Rev Lavigne who was apparently always a predator. The fact that the church knew back in his early years that Rev. Lavigne was assaulting children, given his numerous changing to other parishes, the Catholic Church has had a hand in helping covering up his heinous crimes since the ‘60’s. Reverend Richard R. Lavigne was Danny’s killer. May Danny finally be at peace. May Rev. Lavigne face the ultimate scrutiny and wrath once he tried to enter heaven.
I feel for Danny’s family to, not only were they didn’t live to see Justice for his murder, they were also treated very poorly by their church community after they accused their priest for child abuse and murder!
This took me a couple of years to watch. It was very difficult to hear how the criminal justice system protected this man, and others like him, for so long. I am deeply grateful that you covered this story. We need to keep stories like this alive, otherwise they will continue to happen. Thank you.
It's sad that the Catholic Church continues to protect pedophiles. Those poor children, after everything they went through they were brave enough to come forward. It's sad when people in a position of power choose to protect a pedophile over a child.
amazing video. very informative. you're so strong to be able to recite all this information and teach us as an audience. i know it must take a toll on you emotionally so thank YOU for sharing with others about these cases.
When people question why victims never come forward or don't for decades this is why. This is disgusting. That judge is a disgrace.
When people question why victims never came forward in the past they can use this as a reason but now days there are far fewer reasons to stay quiet with cameras all over major towns its much easier to catch these scumbags.
And we must never forget there are people who benefit from victimhood who wont report.. or will report when it can't be proven in order to get everyone to feel sorry for them, coming forward as quickly as possible is the best way to have things resolved and should be taught in schools.
@@dawfydd Wow, your comment is disgusting. To say that people benefit from sexual abuse is DISGUSTING. You need therapy.
Ikr smh😑
Exactly
@@dawfydd You’re part of the problem with this kind of thinking. To say and think people benefit from being a sexual abuse victim and will only report it to garner sympathy is a reason why victims won’t come forward.
As a sexual abuse survivor who didn’t come out right away, there was absolutely nothing I benefited from by being a victim. It has been a hindrance to my life. I feared no one would believe me and unfortunately I was correct in some instances.
It’s really sad that you even said this
When a judge has the temerity to sit on the bench and declare that a pedophile's sexual abuse of a child is not serious, one begins to wonder about the sexual proclivities of the judge.
Indeed. One begins to wonder how big is this hidden nest of vipers. I pray that all will be brought to light and sorted out.
Yeah!!!!!
I was thinking the same thing. Someone needs to look into that judge and the circle he associates with.
Exxxxxactly.
It is vile/disguisting that the catholic church protects these pedeophiles. These other people defending him in his crimes should be ashamed for downplaying the impact of his crimes.
That judge that said he didn't sentence him to prison because his crimes weren't 'ThAt SerIoUs'.
May they all burn in hell.
Thankfully the Church is finally beginning to do something about the abuse.
@@anonymousmedusa are they?
@@ISeeWhatYouDidThere
That’s sketchy as hell. I bet he has skeletons in his closet too.
I am fuming listening to this.
“His crimes weren’t that serious”
Are you kidding me? This still happens, and I do not understand. How can someone not protect children?
think harder. think why indeed?
Anyone who says abusing children isn't serious is probably doing it themselves... 🤔
Animals inside the Catholic Church who prey on children a cult for pedophiles
It's hard to hit the "like" button on something that makes me so angry I could scream.
However, they have done a wonderful job probing into this story and bringing it to more people in a sensitive and clear manner.
Good job. Oh, I did hit the "like" button.
I'm still angry though.
@@barbarawhittall2311 A few seminaries were taken over by commie pxdos in the 1950s and 1960s. The SAME seminaries still groom young men to then become predators themselves. The RCC has done nothing about it.
The judge that gave him no jail time that first time saying they were low level crimes!?! What a real sicko! He should have went to jail himself for this.
He should be investigated as well. I’m willing to bet he has done something similar. No other explanation for his horrible statements.
@@RuminatingRaptor I was thinking the same thing...
My hunch is much the same. This judge was vile and subjected each victim to further abuse/trauma by his open dismissal of their pain and the atrocities they endured at the hands of this "Man of God". Disgusting. 😡😞😡
Not only by his inaction, but his actively reducing his sentencing, he is condoning his crimes and showing empathy with only the perpetrator. No such courtesies were offered to the victims. Absolutely criminal.
Without a doubt. Str8 2 jail, do not pass go, do not collect $200. 😤
It is beyond disgusting that sex crimes, especially against children are so downplayed. Like to me hurting a child like this should get you life in prison minimum.
it should have been solved decade's ago. poorboy.
there should be no statute of limitations for sexual abuse of a child. it is a crime against humanity.
i agree no statute of limitations and no punishment for parents/guardians/loved ones that go off their handles and hurt or kill someone who SA one of their loved ones its how the world works eye for an eye if someone were to hurt one of my daughters they best pray the cops catch em first god may be forgiving but im not god and i dont have to forgive sorry for ranting
I totally agree with you. How can we turn our back on our children?We must protect our children.
Totally agree.
The Bible does say to forgive them, but I'd be hard pressed to do so. As you, the cops best find them first, or they'd never be found
@@828enigma6 Crimes committed by the clergy. God? The bible? 😆😅🤣
I feel that Danny decided on that fatal day that he was no longer going to be abused by that sick man and that he was going to tell and that sick priest was going to make sure he didnt tell anyone. I hope Danny and all those abused by the priest are residing in the afterlife in peace. 🙏
For some reason, although unrelated in subject matter, your comment reminds me of my interpretation of Marilyn Monroe. And, very well-articulated. Thank you!
Like Lavigne said in his last interview - Danny was 'sort of dumb'. i.e. didn't know to shut up and take it.
Never threaten to out an evil man. Just do it
I agree with you 💯
@@stephaniek1076 the whitehouse keeps a phone log. After getting dumped by jfk she called the Whitehouse over 100 times. She threatened to out him. She also did a pictorial with a brunette wig wearing clothes similar to what jackie wore. That'll get you dead
Those coming forward are so brave. They are so scared they will not be believed and in most cases they are not. The actual abuse is horrific, the lifelong scars are unbearable but not being believed - to be called a liar - is beyond heartbreaking. I know. I was one that came forward.
I admire the immeasurable courage it must have taken for you to come forward. May you find peace in your life and thrive.
It’s actually suppose to be embarrassment that stops the kid from coming forward than anything else they think other kids will call them names etc my country is 97 pc Catholic and we don’t have a parish priest nobody goes to mass so the Priests are used only for marriage ,first holy communion etc .
@@dr.feelgood.1330
If you believe a victim feels the sum total of embarrassed you are woefully naive !
hats raised to you that takes courage on a level most will hopefully never even understand you are truly a real world hero dont ever doubt that
@@dr.feelgood.1330 You are absolutely right. The embarrassment and the fear of coming forward in an environment where priests are the embodiment of the word of God and where sex is a taboo. That kept all the young victims silent.
In 1978 I was 6 yrs old and told my mom I joined a club at the priest house later on she said the priest knocked in to say it was full and he’d come back when there was room. Only this year my sister said my mom lied because she didn’t want me or my brother who is a year younger at that club in a priests house. If my mom knew they were bad why did people take chances with them plus this happened in Ireland the priest was known as the singing priest Micheal Cleary who was jailed in the 90s. Thanks mom rest In heaven you were the best ☘️☘️🇺🇸☘️✌️.
.Your Mom had a Gut feeling something wasn't right. God Bless Her!!
❤️😇💝. God bless your Mum. It took guts from her, especially in Ireland.
@@sandib4234 Always trusst your gut feelings; they are given to you by God for detecting evil.
@@sandib4234 Thank you Sandi B when we got rid of the British our leader was shot dead by fools 100 yrs ago and the new leader gave the country to the Church so they had all the civil cirvant jobs like school teachers, nurses , everything and rule with an iron fist. They are gone now and sold all “our property “ to developers for straight cash no charities got a penny it’s all a scam believe in Jesus your way because we can all read today no need for a third party, love you all and God bless ✌️☘️
@@littleredwitch hmm it did she hated them for a poor country back then all they ever did was tell us to feed Africa while we had nothing that was them and thank you 🙏 ☘️🇺🇸✌️
One thing about this story I can relate to: Some 25 years ago, a young man in our church confessed that he was sexually abused by our Church deacon. Immediately, about half of our Church backed the deacon because of "all the good things he did" for our parish. Luckily, this was at a time when the prosecution of sexual abuse in the Church was going strong, so the deacon was relieved of his duties. The boy's story was proven to be true . Eventually, at least two other boys came forward with stories on how this deacon sexually abused them as well. The deacon served no time, yet the church members still blamed the original boy for "trying to make money to pay for his college" (the boy never asked for any money). Old ways die hard!
What a shame, that's infuriating, really!
Churches in America are like tiny local cults.
Your story is very much along the lines of what happened to me in a New Age group. I joined a group of women interested in the books of best-selling author Lynn V Andrews. We would meet monthly and go on retreats. One day , 2 women who had gotten into her inner circle confided in me that the believed she was a "psychopath" and believed she was a sexual deviant. They tol me they were afraid of her.
But when i said we had to tell the others, these 2 became enraged with me ! They said it didnt matter ! She was helping people ! I said shes dangerous and is counseling troubled people. No matter- they were invested . When i tried to tell the others some did not believe me, some got angry ( at me ) and one said so what? Its fun, i dont care now shut up about it. I was shocked but have since learned more about human nature...
Speaking as a survivor of childhood SA, my heart breaks for the victims in this case. They got NO justice and it's deplorable. Thankfully in my case, my abuser spent most of the time he had left on this earth behind bars. My heart and prayers go out to all victims, but especially those that were denied justice by the legal system. ❤🙏❤
Same here , that those things and that what they are monsters, things, they to me are not ppl but things . Ppl just don't know how it feel to SA
@ Sarah Smith, I am so sorry that you suffered from SA. I hope that you are well and in a good place.
Sarah, I am so sorry you had to endure that. This story hits home because I too was abused by a member of the clergy, who is still free to this day living his life as if he never hurt anyone when I am one of many. You are in my thought and I hope that you are doing well.
Sexual abuse is akin to a disease that you do not necessarily die from directly, although certainly through suicide, drug abuse to escape the pain etc., and one that you never get over as there are no medications to lessen its effect. So, in effect, an indirect murder, a torture crime that continues to disrupted a life that may have been enjoyed were it not for another person's decision that is ok to destroy someone else's life!!!
@@sharpedge3355 This is so true. It certainly changes who you are as a person and your outlook on life, and as a result changes your course and journey. It took me years to come to terms with my childhood abuse. I've accepted who I am as a result of how I grew up, taken the lessons and learned a ton about forgiveness...I've grown into a woman I love, although there are many hills and valleys of course, and I'm still healing. I've raised four wonderful children that I adore with my whole heart, and although they might tell you I was a little too overprotective, lol, I certainly made sure that harm did not come to them the way it came to me, so that they were free to grow into who they are, and instead of needing healing from their past, they can focus on building their future. Thank you all for your kind words...I send that positive energy and love right back to you. ❤
The judge didn't send him to jail because he didn't view any of the accusations as serious?! Omg.
This was absolutely infuriating and heartbreaking!
The sexual underworld is a network so deep, they probably had something on the judge, OR he was part of the network too. It's still a huge problem today!
Yes, exactly what I was thinking. SO infuriating and extremely heartbreaking
Its always a bitter pill when the perpetrator dies before justice can be given. I to believe in a higher power and this man will be judged harshly. Excellent work. A thoughtfully presented story.
A "higher power"? 😆😅🤣
Hearing all the sordid details about what Danny and the other victims went through makes me sick to my stomach .
such a shame, 49yrs later, the poor guy and his family were failed by the justice system
I hadn’t heard of this case before and was looking forward to seeing the conclusion. Your coverage of this is phenomenal.
Agreed
Agreed, so sad.
Levine was truly a servant of Satan.
wow so u want to forget about it.well how his family feel. calling him dumb is awful. just live up to it in gods name. Rip young boy. 🙏🙏💜😤
That. #*%&ing. Judge.
It sickens me each and every time someone states that a (physical) crime against a victim “isn’t that bad” compared to all of the promise and/or good deeds the perpetrator has done.
Yes. It. Is.
A very well presented and captivating two-part Heavy Casefiles.I'm relieved that this young man's remaining family members were able to receive some answers and possibly closure after so long.
Sexual assault against a child isn’t serious and at the low end of the spectrum. What spectrum is that judge working off of?! Wtf 😳
The "it happened to me and I've buried the trauma or paid it forward" spectrum of silent sexual abuse. People tend to have a weird unconscious resentment about things that they endured that they feel like others should have to suffer them also.
@@maebandy Could be. But back then the mentality was “children are to be seen, & not heard”.
@@sunshine3914 you ain't never lied on that one.
They didn't seem to consider children were human.
Sexual abuse, particularly by people in positions of trust, aren't just things that happen. They DESTROY a child. The consequences are lifelong. It took me many years of hard work, therapy, medication . . . Work on my end. Not to mention the effect on those who loved me. It took time, patience, and never ending support to be the healthy human I am today. But what happened has created PTSD, among other diagnoses, which affect how I interact with others, how I parent my own children, my relationship with my husband, EVERY facet of life is touched by childhood SA. I cannot grasp how pedophiles commit such evil, egregious crimes. Also- pedophiles *cannot* be rehabilitated. Ever. They must be locked away, forever. They are ALWAYS a danger to society.
The fact that he hadn't even served any jail time for CONFIRMED sexual assault of young boys/men is truly disgusting. It does destroy lives!! And probation is salt on the victims' wounds.
If course they CAN be "rehabilitated." They chose to do what they did and can choose not to. Nevertheless, they SHOULD be executed.
@@toomanymarys7355 No, they can't. There is no treatment, therapy, or drug that can fix a pedophiles thoughts.
I am inclined to agree with you. They probably can not be rehabilitated to a point that they should ever have access to children again.
@@toomanymarys7355 that's why they can't be rehabilitated! They don't want to stop doing what they do. They are pedophiles.
This is the reason why my dad never allowed us to go to church .. we are all 6 girls and he was very protective and now I understand why . There’s always been a bad stigma with all churches not just Catholics . You can’t trust anyone not teachers or priests..
So you didn’t go to school?
@@watcher6555 I wasn’t allows to stayed in after school clubs or anything like that . I would
Do the same if I was a parent . There’s so many teachers sexually assaulting children and teenagers here in Chicago. it’s disgusting ..
There are bad authority figures everywhere. That’s narrow minded to demonize ALL churches. It’s one thing for your father to be worried but it sounds like he instilled his own prejudices to you.
Sure it was. Give me a break. Nice excuse.
@@gigglyme2001 my dad was abused as a child and I didn’t accuse all churches . Don’t speak about someone and then sound ignorant . I have no idea why you people watch channels like these and want to judge people right away Based on their opinions .. you can leave
Just wanted to say - I have been watching your channel for maybe 2 years, but this has to be your best video series yet. Thank you for covering this case.
Yessssss. I couldn't wait for this part. The 1st was very interesting and informative. I'd also never heard of this case
😎👍👍👍👍👍💯
👏 👏👏👏👏
Same !
@@kerim1035 😁
Same and same! I couldn’t wait for the second part and have never heard of this case!
Glad to see there is a second part to this love your videos it's sweet the way you take time out to recognize the victim
Petition for casefiles girl to do more long form videos like this! We need more deep dives into heavy casefiles.
casefiles girl 😭 Surely she has to have a name but I don't think she's ever introduced herself to us
This story has haunted me since I watched part one. It just boggles my mind how much the church covered up regarding priests.I have to add that is also is crazy that the courts dismissed his behavior because he was a good man in so many other deeds. They just refused to understand that there was a devil underneath these people. So many people got away with these atrocities to the world’s children because of who they were and the financial support they received.
Well said.
The church leaders were likely abusers as well, and abusers will always protect their circle. In fact, if Levine had been the one to call Danny's family after, that would make a lot of sense. He said Danny had "seen beyond the circle" and had to die. Seriously screwed up!!!
If you really want yo be shocked by the prevalence of the scandal, and the reason that it continues today, look up Church Militant's many discussions of the sec abuse issue. If certain bishops and cardinals are not removed from their posts, in 20-30 years we will see another round of crimes as bad as these.
Be aware though, Church Militant is a very conservative channel and will say many things unappetizing for those of a more liberal mindset. I am not Catholic, but I have found them very informative.
The mind boggles? When I was at a religious school umpteen decades ago kids were being molested. Religion? God? If there is/was a "God" he/she must be having an interesting time viewing all that goes on under their watch. After all, he/she created the whole thing to begin with, right?
@@pkgum6910 And then Sin. This earth is not what He created. Sorry to hea of your religious schooling. That is also not something God created.
Moving these pervs around knowing what they did & that they would continue this behavior is a disgrace ALL involved in this are guilty
His admission at the end to the detective was pure evil. He had no remorse in his voice at all. So sorry to Danny's family and anybody that came in contact with this devil.
After hearing this case I haven’t been this disgusted in a long time. I can’t believe his family went through this knowing they would never get justice.
"Justice is mine saith the Lord." When God meets it out it will be brutal; they knew this.
@@MKCarol-ms7lg Oh please, that's not real. We shouldn't hide behind imaginary stories to brush off the complicity, corruption and the aiding and abetting of criminals by the justice system instead of them helping victims. Even if he rotted in hell (he isn't), that wouldn't help his victims. He should have been prevented from hurting them in the first place, here on earth where it would've mattered.
@@girlwhomustnotbenamed4139 I disagree with you about the imaginary part; but I was stating why his parents could handle not getting earthly justice. I believe when criminals can be prosecuted and punished they should be. I also believe child sexual abuse should have stronger sentences, life sentences in some cases.
@@MKCarol-ms7lg I agree with girlwhomust notbenamed. As a Catholic I have experienced nothing coming even close to "spiritual salvation/enlightenment" where religion is concerned. To me it is much like believing in Santa, the Easter Bunny, etc. But hey, whatever floats your boat, right?
@@pkgum6910 Stop looking for God in a church or religion. Just turn around he has been following you all along.
24:57 "I saw him face down in the water." Detective: "Just the way you left him, after you killed him?" Lavigne: "That's right." Cancer is too good for people like this.
He died of Covid.
The judge was upset that Levines crimes ruined his career and he was upset at the press for covering what happened 🤔 What??? Seriously? I'm not shocked because ita not that we haven't heard this said many times about many other disgusting people..... I'm just disgusted.
The judge was probably in on it
Do these AWFUL men in positions of religious power feel like they’re allowed to abuse children & rob them of innocence?? I genuinely don’t understand how ANY adult could do this to a child, but why/how has the Catholic church notoriously been able to get away with this for DECADES? This is literally their legacy at this point. It’s beyond fathomable reason. RIP Danny.
@ Evan Hicks
Awful men? What about the evil nuns ?
Many were equally depraved !
@@lynnhexler-haan3357 Nuns too. Satan is no respector of gender. Currently he is busy trying to convice the world gender doesn't even exist.
Men in positions of all kinds take advantage of children. Beware of your child’s male teachers, coaches, and yes priest. Those saying the evil also exists in women equally need to look at the stats- it does not. The sexual crimes against minors are overwhelming committed against female victims 88%, and by male perps 85%. Most are known but not related to the minor victim 60%, and 30% are related to the victim. It is sick that a trusted adult would exploit the innocence of a child at all, and depraved to do so for their own sexual gratification. May they rot in hell for an eternity
Evan. Try centuries. And yes, they did get away with it. God? Try Santa, the Easter Bunny, etc. Much safer.
@@angtxsun4460 What if there is no such thing as "hell"?
As a mass resident i’m appalled and disgusted.
They should go after the judge and everyone else that protected and covered up that bastard’s crimes. Just sickening!
“He was a nice little kid. Kinda dumb but still kinda charming in a way”
this guy was such a freaking creep
My jaw dropped at that line. All these years later and he's still insulting the victim. Jfc!!!
Keep those comments of your s to yourself kinda dumb really.. he was murdered
I couldn’t believe that line. He was so full of hate.
@@skinnerman100 who?
I'm glad they finally found out what he did... Wow! What a powerful story. My heart goes out to the victim and victims of these horrible abusers.
Your work is fabulous. I always look forward to your uploads.
This case and so many others like this, are reason enough to make child molestation a crime without statute of limitations, like murder.
It's like murder of the soul..spirit or happiness...you can become dead inside..
I lived in Shelburne Falls, MA where they had a big church rally of supporters of Lavigne. Ironically, one of his most staunch defenders were a couple who carried placards for Father Lavign - ironic because it would come out soon after that two of their sons were being regularly abused by Lavigne at the very time they defended him. He was truly and deeply evil.
My family were long-time Shelburne residents. Most were in that rally. My grandfather, however, despised Lavigne from the start and would drive to Charlemont for Communion. We should all have that man’s bs detector.
@@jillelizabeth1737 Such a beautiful town for such ugliness. I still miss the falls, Bridge of Flowers etc. For awhile I had The Little Bookshop on Main street.
You have got to be kidding me! This man was a monster and people had the nerve to defend him! Sickening.
No way!! Accidentally stumbled on part one and this was uploaded while I was watching it!!! Freaky
I was waiting for part 2 anxiously. Wow this case is riveting
This is so infuriating hearing what his lawyer said and what the judge said. They shrugged off sexually assaulting CHILDREN as "not that serious"
This two parter was brilliantly done, SG. Thank you.
if what happened to this boy had happened to me, my father would not have let this priest live well into his 80s.
My little guy will never step foot in a church, go-to boy scouts, sleep over at friends house or be left alone with any man ever these perverts are everywhere and I'd hate to have to go-to prison for life for taking justice into my own hands
Would have liked to see a picture of the judge that said child abuse wasn't serious.
There is a book documenting this whole thing. It is called "Death of an Altar Boy".
I highly recommend it for even more information and just how many other priests were involved.
Heavy Casefiles, I would like to congratulate you on your content, and specifically for the fact that you do not censor words like rape, sexual abuse and so forth. Many channels revel in covering adult content such as this but bleep out or erase words that would result in their uploads being age restricted, which I think is cynical and hypocritical, especially as some of these channels call out other dubious practices by TH-camrs garnered to illicit more views.
Found out why so many censor: TH-cam agreement states they can be flagged, & then demonetize any video that contain words associated with acts of sexual assault ( & also, a few other negative situations ). Because they don’t feel their advertisers would want to be associated with such videos.
So far, this one hasn’t been flagged... I counted over ten advertisements.
I watch a lot of these cases. I must say this is The Best I have ever watched. You did justice to Danny, his family and his memory. Thank you for your Excellence on reporting this case.
Thanks to the Boston Globe's investigative reporters,
who continued hunting down the stories of sexual predators in the priesthood, in the face of huge opposition by the Church.
Good timing I just finished part 1, sad case I hate how he abused the trust of Danny's parents and abused their sons and killed one of them 😢 💔
Yes you just made my day the first part was outstanding work you did to make this case. I love the fact you do your homework for these stories and tell them so well thanks.
The judge should have lost his job after those statements and also probably checked into.
Thanks very much for this upload.
You did a good job at putting this together.
Thanks for the upload much appreciated ❤
I'D DO LIFE FOR MY KID.
Thanks so much for part 2, much appreciated.
Your narration and script are top notch. This is the best by far account of this tragedy I've heard. And I've heard several! Great job!
There aren't words for the anger I feel about that piece of human detritus managing to dodge responsibility for a life spent victimising children... nor for the revolting individuals who protected & enabled his abuse while re-victimising the very people they are not only sworn & duty-bound but _morally obligated_ to protect above all else - children. The judges, cardinals, law enforcement, community leaders & _any_ adult who inflicted psychological torment on the victims in defence of that monster should think about how close their actions put them on the morality scale. Thank you for sharing such an important story - thoughts with Danny. his family & all victims of abuse 💜🤍
So well said ❤
My heart breaks for anyone who has been abused by these monsters. I, too, was a victim who suffered Sexual and physical abuse from age 10 to 12 at the hands of a priest. When I spoke of it, no one believed me and I was shunned. I ended up leaving the church., otherwise I would’ve committed suicide due to the abuse being unbearable.
You are strong and i hope you will find peace and strength. As to who did it to you will hopefully get some trauma similar to what they did to you. (Had to correct my comment, phrased it wrong before)
Thanks for the video and your wonderful work.
That was one of the best true-crime narrations I've ever heard. An all-timer, and one of the great injustices of our time and country. Wow.
Your work is so thorough and so very respectful. Thank you
You, hands down, have one of the best true crime channels
This story is gut-wrenching. That poor child, his poor family, and that vile, despicable man and those who shielded him! Haunting.
This was an incredible series, thank you for the research you did. This is my local area, and I stopped going to mass because of the Boston diocese ignoring the voices of children. The parish we went to in NH had a priest in the 1970s that harmed children. That was enough for me. How can parents trust this much?
thank you for delivering a very informative video!
As always and incredibly in depth, and riveting video! I admire the research you must have done for this.
Absolutely heartbreaking. The damage done by these priest's and others lasts a lifetime.
I'm so happy to see this upload!
Many of these abused boys committed suicide. How can it be considered a low end crime?
Just finished watching both episodes, some of your best work. Thank you for taking the time and effort! Never change!
I’m so angry at him calling Danny a “dumb little kid” 😡 what POS !
Part one of this was recommended to me by the algorithm, and I'm glad it was! This was such a sad case, but I really appreciate the sensitivity and thoroughness that you presented it with.
Thank for that story, it was beautifully done. May Danny Croteau rest in peace along with his parents and brothers.
I've heard of this case many a times but glad to know the minor details covered on this channel.
Great job as usual. 🌹
COVID-19 has been a blight on us, but you know what, thank you COVID for taking out Richard Lavigne. I hope you made it painful for him.
I love how thoroughly but gently you tell these stories. And that you always let the last word spoken on the video be the words of the victim’s families. That’s how it should be.
Yes so glad I’ve been waiting for this
I'm surprised that I have never heard of this saddening case, so glad you have brought it to light.
I wish I would of come forward when I was 8 years old. I was afraid that nobody would believe me. A priest from Milwaukee is the one who fondled me.
I'm sorry this happened to you.
The judge, the Church officials, and all persons in this case, who were supposed to be after justice, seriously need their heads examined! How dare a judge say that he doesn't feel as though these charges were not all that serious!! Appaling!
This is one of the best true crime documentaries I've seen. You did a wonderful job with research and chronology. This was so heartbreaking 💔. I hope he is happy in heaven with his family. Such an awful tragedy.
Thank you for the video!!!
This literally gave me chills! So sad the parents didn't get to see the case solved and that Lavigne didn't get to serve time in jail!! How terrible! Prayers to Danny's family! 🙏🏼
I am in awe of your research skills and the way you lay out the chronology of events and do careful fact-checking. This two-part case, as with all of your cases, was presented with compassion and hope as you brought the story to its full-circle conclusion. I never miss your true-crime videos, which are very well done.
I met Richard Lavigne when I lived Western Mass. He officiated at my cousin’s wedding. It was long ago. All I remember is that he seemed really weird.
Wow! This is an incredible story. You are an amazing story teller. I’m glad you broke it into two parts.
This must have been incredibly draining and hard on you!
Your style is so crystal clear, laying down fact after fact over 2 weeks.
Thank you for your amazing work!
When he plead guilty, the judge said he didn't send him to jail because he didn't view the crimes as serious. Really? Maybe the judge was into those same activities.
These child predators make me so mad and sick. For someone to prey on such a vulnerable person such as a child is really disgusting, especially when the child looks up to the person, trusts the person, and the person is a person in authority.
If the body was floating facedown, how did Levine know it was Danny?
Thank you for posting solved cases‼️. Love’em‼️‼️
Exceptional video and narration of Danny’s life and untimely death. What happened to Danny was unforgivable and such a tragedy that affected the family for decades. The questions immediately put upon the PO by Rev. Lavigne at the time of Danny’s discovered body, certainly created a great amount of suspicious behaviour. As for the judge that was presiding over that one specific case with regards to Rev. Lavignes victims, his comments were sickening and inexcusable. No person, wearing the cloth of god or not, should be given any amount of empathy or compassion in regards to their acts. Sexual abuse is an act that is violent crime, the only appropriate title. Though I am thankful that Danny’s killer was finally exposed, Danny’s family endured immeasurable amount of grief, loss, heartbreak and unacceptable attacks on their character. This was such a compelling case with many details and hard work carried out by LE to get the answers that were needed. I am glad that they were at least able to publicly expose their findings to expose Rev. Lavigne as the true killer. My heart goes out to Danny’s family and everyone that was a victim of Rev Lavigne who was apparently always a predator. The fact that the church knew back in his early years that Rev. Lavigne was assaulting children, given his numerous changing to other parishes, the Catholic Church has had a hand in helping covering up his heinous crimes since the ‘60’s. Reverend Richard R. Lavigne was Danny’s killer. May Danny finally be at peace. May Rev. Lavigne face the ultimate scrutiny and wrath once he tried to enter heaven.
He should not be entering Heaven never, ever,
I feel for Danny’s family to, not only were they didn’t live to see Justice for his murder, they were also treated very poorly by their church community after they accused their priest for child abuse and murder!
This took me a couple of years to watch. It was very difficult to hear how the criminal justice system protected this man, and others like him, for so long. I am deeply grateful that you covered this story. We need to keep stories like this alive, otherwise they will continue to happen. Thank you.
It's sad that the Catholic Church continues to protect pedophiles. Those poor children, after everything they went through they were brave enough to come forward. It's sad when people in a position of power choose to protect a pedophile over a child.
amazing video. very informative. you're so strong to be able to recite all this information and teach us as an audience. i know it must take a toll on you emotionally so thank YOU for sharing with others about these cases.
Ugh, the priest dismissing him as a "dumb" kid was insult to injury, to put it mildly. So infuriating.
Really well done! Thank you for producing and creating these for us to watch. This takes a lot of time and effort, and it is much appreciated!