CFB Trenton commander charged with murder

By JOE WARMINGTON and DON PEAT, Toronto Sun
Last Updated: 8th February 2010, 1:33pm

The base commander of CFB Trenton has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the murders of two area women, including a fellow soldier.

Col. Russ Williams, the wing commander at CFB Trenton, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Cpl. Marie-France Comeau and Jessica Lloyd and two other home invasions last September in the Tweed area.

Police said Williams has also been charged with two counts of forcible confinement and two counts of break and enter and sexual assault in connection with two sexual assaults of two Tweed women back in September.

Williams was arrested Sunday in Ottawa.

Police told reporters in Belleville today that a roadside canvas on Feb. 4, brought Williams to their attention.

Lloyd, 27, went missing Jan. 29. after she failed to show up for her job with Tri-Board Student Transportation Services in Napanee. The last time anyone heard from Lloyd was the night before when she sent a text message to a friend.

Her body was found early Monday morning off Cary Rd. near Tweed.

Last week, friends of Lloyd started distributing vehicle decals with photos of her, as well as her description and contact information for police.

Comeau, 38, was found murdered in Brighton, Ont., on Nov. 25, 2009. She was a member of 437 Squadron at CFB Trenton.

"This is a very sad case and our hearts go out to the two victims families," OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino said Monday.

The OPP got involved last week when Belleville Police called for their assistance, Fantino said.

"We threw all our resources at it just like we did for Tori Stafford and it was a joint investigation with the Belleville service," Fantino said. "It was a massive, co-operative investigation from both sides and we are pleased to have been able to solve it."

With more than 20 years in the Canadian Forces, Williams is a married man that according to a DND senior staff biography, is a keen photographer, fisherman and runner.

In the 1990s, Williams was stationed in Ottawa where he flew VIP Challenger jets for the 412 Transport Squadron.

When asked if they believe Williams may be allegedly tied to other crimes, OPP inspectors said they will be tracking back through his accomplished career and will be speaking with police services in the jurisdictions where he was stationed.

refernce Source - Toronto Sun