Murder, arrest shock Belleville

Posted By W. BRICE MCVICAR, THE INTELLIGENCER
Updated February 9th, 2010



As news spread of the discovery of Jessica Lloyd's body -- and the subsequent arrest of CFB Trenton-8 Wing base commander Col. Russ Williams -- emotions ranging from shock to disbelief to grief were expressed by area residents.

Quinte residents started their day Monday to media reports indicating the 27-year-old city woman's body had been located and a suspect was in police custody. The story changed dramatically later in the day as it was learned Williams had been arrested not only for Lloyd's murder but also for the November 2009 homicide of Cpl. Marie-France Comeau and for two home invasions in Tweed where women were tied up, assaulted and photographed.

A joint press conference between the Ontario Provincial Police and the Belleville police service confirmed those details.

"It's a relief but it's also shocking to know there are people like that so close to our home," said Lisa Kerr, a Madoc resident who listened to the news conference at the Wally Dever Arena.

Kerr said she exercised caution following Lloyd's disappearance. All doors to her home were locked and her daughters, she said, were not permitted to walk to and from school.

Kerr's 14-year-old daughter, Emily, said news of the arrest was a relief but the incidents and Williams arrest have shaken her.

"It's scary knowing someone was that close and doing stuff like that," she said.

Linda Greer said her heart goes out to Lloyd's family. The 27-yearold's murder means her family and friends have suffered a terrible loss and, though a suspect has been arrested, it does not lessen their loss, she said.

The fact the suspect is such a high-ranking official in the military, Greer said, is not only shocking but disturbing.

"I'm glad they caught him and justice will be served," she said. "It's pathetic for a man of that position and authority to be doing that."

Williams' position in the military was also noted by Gerry Murphy. The Belleville man said he had been following the story of Lloyd's disappearance and was surprised to learn of the woman's death and the arrest.

"It's rather surprising that someone that high up in the military is that sick," Murphy said. "I think the police did a great job catching this guy before he could do it again."

Murphy said it is interesting to note Williams has been charged with the home invasions and the two homicides. The pattern, he said, appears to show a man who was escalating in his crimes.

Miles Fleming said he hopes the arrest will bring some "closure" to Lloyd's family. The crime may be surprising because of the size of the community, but it should remind people these types of crimes can happen anywhere, he said.

Lloyd's disappearance instilled fear in the community, he said, and Williams' arrest shows it is not always the people you suspect of committing the crimes who are actually the perpetrators.

"It's not always the people you expect," he said, noting people in power can sometimes hide their actions because of their social status.

bmcvicar@intelligencer.ca