Researching Russell Williams

In late January 2010, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) discovered evidence that led them to suspect Williams' involvement in the disappearance and death of Jessica Lloyd, and suspected links to two other crimes that had been committed in close proximity to other locations near Williams' previous home in Tweed, Ontario. On February 7, Williams was interrogated on video by OPP investigator Jim Smyth and confronted with the evidence of tire tracks and boot prints at Lloyd's home. Over the next ten hours, Williams gave a detailed confession of the sexual assault and murder of Lloyd, and also the sexual assault and murder of Corporal Marie-France Comeau and at least two other cases initially.

The subsequent investigation into Williams brought further confessions and revealed evidence of detailed notes and photographs stored at his home. The evidence showed he had broken into at least 82 houses to steal underwear of females, including children. This behaviour later escalated to sexual assaults and later still to the rapes and murders. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of forcible confinement, two counts of breaking and entering, and sexual assault. Another 82 charges relating to breaking and entering were later added.

On October 21, 2010, Williams was sentenced to two life sentences for first-degree murder, two ten-year sentences for other sexual assaults, two ten-year sentences for forcible confinement, and 82 one-year sentences for breaking and entering, all to be served concurrently. The life sentences mean Williams will serve a minimum of 25 years before parole eligibility. Because he was convicted of multiple murders, Williams is not eligible for early parole under the "faint hope clause" of the Criminal Code.

From July 2009 until his arrest in February 2010, Williams commanded CFB Trenton, Canada's largest military airbase and a hub for the country's foreign and domestic air transport operations. He was also a decorated military pilot who had flown Canadian Forces VIP aircraft for dignitaries and heads of state. Following charges being made on February 8, 2010, Williams was relieved as the base commander at CFB Trenton. Following his conviction, on October 22, 2010, Williams was stripped of his commission, ranks, and awards by the Governor General on the recommendation of the Chief of the Defence Staff. His uniform, documents and military equipment were burned by the Canadian military.