Michel Fournier Convicted of Murdering Estranged Wife and Her Dogs

A Clackamas County, Oregon man, Michel Fournier, has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the 2024 death of his estranged wife, Susan Marie Lane and the subsequent killing of her two dogs. The verdict was delivered on Thursday, March 5, 2026, with Fournier receiving a life sentence with a minimum of 25 years before parole eligibility.

Details of the Case

The investigation began in November 2024 after Susan Lane was reported missing and later found deceased in rural Clackamas County. Her dogs, Elrond and Elros, were discovered dead in Multnomah County shortly after. Fournier was arrested the day after Lane’s body was found and initially pleaded not guilty. KATU reports.

Confession and Evidence

During the trial, a recording of a police interview with Fournier was presented as evidence. In the recording, Fournier admitted to killing Lane’s dogs, stating, “I choked them…The tie wraps slowed them down a bit. But they trusted me, these animals trusted me wholeheartedly.” KATU

Prosecutors stated that Susan Lane had recently served Fournier with divorce paperwork and was preparing to start a new chapter in her life. KATU

Additional Charges

Court documents filed on January 29, 2026, reveal that Fournier also faces two counts of first-degree aggravated animal abuse related to the deaths of Elrond and Elros. The timeline for a trial on these charges remains unclear. KATU

Method of Murder

According to OregonLive, Fournier was found guilty of shooting Susan Lane three times with a .22 rifle.

Sentencing

Michel Fournier was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday, March 5, 2026, with the possibility of parole after serving a minimum of 25 years. KATU, OregonLive, and KOIN all reported on the sentencing.