The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Walt Natynczyk, was just on all the Canadian news services live from 8 Wing Trenton to say that the entire Canadian Forces is reeling with this news, and Colonel Russell Williams has been relieved of his command. He also said that civilians are spontaneously approaching Air Force folks to offer sympathy.

Two of my colleagues recently served with Col Williams; in fact, one was deployed with him and worked closely with him every day for six months. Everyone is struggling to come to terms with information that just keeps getting more distressing.

This case is unique in Canadian history. Col Williams is the first officer in the history of the Canadian armed services to be accused of murder in the death of an individual under his command. As a member of 437 Squadron, part of 8 Wing, Corporal Marie-France Comeau was one of Col Williams' people. She had also served with 412 Squadron, the transport unit that flies VIPs around in Challenger jets. On top of all the other charges, especially the death of Ms Lloyd, that makes the case even more macabre -- if that were possible.

According to the Globe and Mail, a usually reliable news source, Col Williams has already confessed to several of the offences.