Canadian Air Wing Col. Russ Williams charged in two slayings of women

Col Russ Williams, 8 Wing Commanding Officer, lays a wreath on behalf of members from 8 Wing Trenton and Canadian Forces Base Trenton (CFB Trenotn) during Remembrance Day Parade, Trenton, Ontario

By Salim Jiwa

BELLEVILLE, ON – Air Wing Commander Colonel Russell Williams has been arrested in a shocking series of murders of women and the attempted assaults on others in Ontario.

Colonel Williams is the commander of Air Wing 8 at Trenton.

He became a suspect during the investigation into the disappearance of 27-year-old Jessica Lloyd who disappeared on January 28.

He is now being accused of being a serial sex killer.

He is charged with:

1st degree murder of Jessica Lloyd,
1st degree murder of Marie Comeau
2 counts of forcible confinement and
2 counts of Break and enter and sexual assault

“As a result of information sharing, the Belleville Police Service and the OPP began reviewing other serious incidents in the vicinity of the City of Belleville. Due to similarities in those incidents, the police investigative team linked this case to other crimes,” said Belleville Police and the OPP on Monday.

“Williams came to the attention of the police as a result of information gathered during a road side canvass on Highway 37 on the night of February 4, 2010. On Sunday, February 7, 2010 Williams was arrested in Ottawa,” said a statement issued at a joint press conference.

Marie France Comeau was found murdered in her Brighton residence on November 25, 2009. Comeau was a Corporal with 437 Squadron at Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Ontario.

In September of 2009 there were two separate home invasions, in the Tweed area in which two women were the victims of sexual assault, said police who are linking the cases to the Colonel.

“The body of Jessica Lloyd was located this morning off Carry Road, in the Municipality of Tweed. The post mortem is being scheduled at the Coroner’s Office, Toronto,” said police.

The investigation continues and there could be more victims. (See editor’s blog about serial killings HERE.)

In Ottawa, the Chief of the Air Staff, Lieutenant-General André Deschamps, said: “I am aware of the charges brought today against Colonel Russell Williams, 8 Wing Commander, Trenton.”

“As Chief of the Air Staff, I take very seriously all allegations of service or criminal offences against one of our members.

“Although one is considered innocent until proven guilty, in light of the seriousness of the charges, and in consideration of the high level of responsibilities attached to the position of Wing Commander, an interim Wing Commander for 8 Wing Trenton will soon be appointed.”

“Also, in the coming days, a review will be initiated by 1 Canadian Air Division, in Winnipeg, to determine the most appropriate action to take regarding Colonel Williams pending the outcome of the trial,” he said.

“The Canadian Forces hold their members to a very high standard of conduct and performance, in Canada or abroad, on or off military duty. I confirm that the Air Force is fully supporting civilian authorities in the conduct of the current matter,” he added.

“This situation affects us all and I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the families of those affected by these tragic events,” said the Air Chief.

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