The OPP settled out-of-court with Massicotte in 2015, but as of 2016 her lawsuit against Williams and Harriman was still active. Thats the early part of the highway and Im just heading out. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. He captured it all on video. When he finally left, he took underwear as trophies. Okay, you want discretion, we need to have some honesty, okay? Smyth played a key role in the Stafford case even before the interrogation of Williams. As McClintic described it, the laneway crossed a small creek, went up on an incline, and then at the peak a large rock pile sat to the left. Two women in Tweed were attacked in September 2009: Jane Doe (her real name protected by a publication ban) on the 17th, and Laurie Massicotte on the 30th. Williamss head continued to bob in a rapid succession of gentle nods, his forehead growing increasingly flush from the stress he was under. He then stumbled over the pronunciation of their names and forgot the order in which the crimes occurred. Sgt. Because Williams pleaded guilty to all charges, he was not put on trial. Mendelson said it's a moment where Williams realizes he has "nowhere to go. Have you ever been read your rights before?, Basically in Canada, as you know, Im sure, we all have our rights guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Smyth said, before he told the colonel that he was not under arrest and was free to leave the building at any time. your credibility is gone, okay?, Smyth leaned forward and looked down at his cowering adversary, whose mind was clearly swirling as he assessed his options. Insp. He pleaded guiltyto two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Lloyd and Cpl. I know youll take good care of sweet Rosie [their cat]. Jessicas body, meanwhile, had remained lying in the woods for close to a week, her bleeding head wrapped in towels, amongst scavenging coyotes, brush wolves, and foxes. Hmmm was the only sound he could muster as he shuffled farther back into his seat. Lloyd was reported missing when she didnt show up for work and wasnt at home, though her car was there. CSI officer couldve come in three, four days from now, did some swabs here, and he wouldve found your DNA and my DNA. the officer asked. Provincial Court Judge Mike Dinkel excluded the confession, concluding she told Calgary police what they wanted to hear. A massive search was launched. . In custody, and advised by his lawyer to keep silent, Mr. Armishaw was subjected to the same interrogation techniques used on Williams, then one of Canadas top military minds. Yeah, the colonel mumbled, his eyes still locked onto the desk. Undercover officers were posted to watch Wilkie Drive, but without results. His hyper-attention to order escalated in later years, and it was impossible for him to walk away from a fingerprint on his stainless steel fridge without wiping it off. On 22 October 2010, Williams was sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment, with no possibility of parole for 25 years. The detectives conversational-style questioning flip-flopped around with little apparent focus, often seeming to lack any specific direction or structure. area. The statement is a reminder that her good friend was "kidnapped, raped, tortured and murdered" by Williams and that the "disclosure of these details was a traumatic nightmare.". Williamswas sentenced in October 2010 and is serving two life terms in prison for the murders of Comeau and Lloyd, and additional sentences for 86 other charges. No, Williams insisted, shaking his head slightly, his arms still folded tightly in front of his chest. Later they moved to a home they had built in the capitals Westboro neighbourhood. I was in Gatineau, as I said, meeting about the C-17., Okay, now if that is the day you had a meeting in Ottawa, do you remember being at the base on the Monday the twenty third and swiping your card in and out? But I cant answer that question.. [8] His efforts to keep the conversation alive sometimes seemed strained and contrived. In 2003, Smyth completed the International Criminal Investigative Analysis Fellowship Understudy Program, resulting in certification as a criminal profiler. He said Smyth/Williamslacks sensationalism and is an "empathetic exploration that comes with a tremendous amount of sensitivity and humanity and compassion.". Can I assume youre going to be discreet? he asked Smyth firmly, with the first hint of stress and irritation apparent in his voice. Insp. Okay. [5] The detectives response was not in keeping with standard protocol for dealing with a suspect who, like Williams, displays body language that suggests a confession is imminent. "If there's anything we should be giving attention to is to the life of Jess and the life of Marie Comeau or all the other women who were affected by him," Dafoe said. Three new, buzzed-about beauty products we tried this week. Sgt. Jessica was a beautiful, gentle young woman, as you know. Eight months after the crime, with the investigation effectively stalled, Mr. Armishaw was arrested out of the blue and charged jointly with a sexual assault that the judge described as minor, and which was not ultimately prosecuted, but which likely added to the sense that police were overwhelming him, the judge wrote. He was introduced to Detective-Sergeant Jim Smyth, a forty-something, slightly bookish, unassuming officer in a dark suit and tie. Matthew Pearson, from Washington state, sent a . [2] Modern police tactics are much more benign and non-adversarial. "I've covered courts and policing, [but] I've never seen anything like this. His success as a profiler and polygraph operator for the OPPs Behavioral Sciences and Analysis Services unit had been well documented. His Nissan Pathfinder and his hoard of stolen garments were destroyed. The interrogatoralso cannot make it appear as if the person was forced to confess. Recognizing that the colonel was in a vulnerable state and close to breaking, Smyth continued to push. I had sort of a stomach flu, he said. Seelig said it's timely to look at issues of misogyny and violence against women. . A much more formal letter of condolence had been sent to Mr. Comeau on official Office of the Wing Commander military stationery on December 1, 2009, written and signed in the capacity of Marie-Frances commanding officer. [4] When it comes to police interrogations, the law in Canada varies significantly from its American cousin. ., What they also do to try and identify the type of vehicle is they look at what they call the wheelbase width, the officer told him, explaining that various makes and models have different measurements. Smyth lied to Mr. Armishaw about the evidence against him; engaged in a relentless monologue at a suspect who wished to remain silent; undermined Mr. Armishaws lawyers advice by suggesting the lawyer was ignorant of the overwhelming evidence against him; claimed to speak for the courts, and offered leniency in exchange for a confession; and placed a false choice before Mr. Armishaw confess or be damned in which innocence, though still technically presumed, was not an option. I know you wont be able to believe me, but it is true. I have never been interviewed by the police, he said with a smug grin. Catching a Killer: A deeper look into the police interrogation of Russel Williams. This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Smyth abruptly changed the topic again and began discussing swipe access cards that were used on the base. It was on Feb. 7, at some point during his nine-hour interrogation by the Ontario Provincial Police, that Colonel Russell Williams finally got around to addressing that which had been haunting him. In 2007, Smyth began working with the Ontario Provincial Police force's polygraph unit, behavioural sciences and analysis services. . or is this something where we have to go and take a walk?. During the brief roadside interrogation, officers saw that the tread of Williamss tires matched those found in the field. "We need to have some honesty, okay? The OPP settled out-of-court with Massicotte in 2015, but as of 2016 her lawsuit against Williams and Harriman was still active. Or you can keep pulling it, a little bit at a time, and that's what hurts. Your Pathfinders wheelbase width is very, very close to the width of the tires that were left in that field, Smyth said, his tone still very calm and calculating. When prison officials told Simpson, "Don't come back," the former Buffalo Bills star responded, "I don't have any intent," according to Keast.. Comeau put up a fight, and was struck on the head several times with a flashlight. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. He smiled and chuckled as he told the officer how he then drove back home, vacuumed his carpets, and wiped the tiled floors clean. Marie France-Comeau as well ascommitting other sexual assaults. I know she loved you very much. As a pilot of VIP transport planes, he had passengers such as Prime Minister Jean Chrtien, and Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Hidden behind the scenes, four officers were discreetly observing the video feed from an adjacent room. Gary O'Brien is a Detective Sergeant at Ontario Provincial Police based in Orillia, Ontario. Committed to his decision, the colonel offered to draw diagrams for the officer showing exactly where he had hidden memory cards and two hard drives full of evidence at his Ottawa homehoping that police would then be less intrusive with their search efforts. Williams leaned forward and ran his tongue along his teeth. But perhaps the most valuable aspect of the interview was not his confession, but rather his admission as to where he had secreted the large caches of evidence that may otherwise have gone undiscovered. Williams smiled broadly, still chewing his gum, and looked up at one of the ceiling mounted cameras. He was educated at Upper Canada College and the University of Toronto. In 2012, Smyth was promoted as detective inspector to the OPP's major criminal investigations branch as a major case manager.[6]. Mild-mannered in his approach and soft-spoken by nature, Smyth was not the type of fellow one would suspect of being a police officer. Sgt. Both his voice and demeanor were remarkably reminiscent of the calm charisma of legendary screen actor Clint Eastwood. cause Ive met guys who actually kind of enjoyed the notoriety. I had a realty lawyer, Williams chuckled, but, no, I dont have a lawyer.. Yeah, he muttered. In fact, much like TVs Columbo, he probably owed much of his success to peoples innate tendencies to underestimate his talents and resolve. Also available from Amazon, With the purpose of writing about true crime in an authoritative, fact-based manner, veteran journalists J. J. Maloney and J. Patrick OConnor launched Crime Magazine in November of 1998. Leaning forward into Mr. Armishaws space, speaking calmly in a tone the judge described as quietly relentless, Det.-Sgt. "I got the impression that some of it was painkillers, but there were many different labels. There were about 10 rocks piled on top of Tori's body, ranging in size from about three kilograms to 50 kilograms, court heard. Our blood or our skin cells contain our DNA.. James Downs, managing directorof the private investigation firm MKD International Inc., said a good interrogator must balance a number of interests over the course of sometimes lengthy interviews with suspects. Photo by Northern News / KL There are a variety of factors to consider, The Eco 5 launches in Canada today reduces volume of food waste up to 90 per cent, The best in budget-friendly, lightweight and dual-action hair dryers. That day, the reserved detective would lead a commanding officer of Canadas military to room 216, a small second-floor unit just as nondescript as the interviewer. After thirty seconds of silence, the colonels head started to nod. Cause its tough to undo the rumor mill once it gets started. He was introduced to Detective-Sergeant Jim Smyth, a forty-something, slightly bookish, unassuming officer in a dark suit and tie. I do hope that you find a way to succeed. Mark Carney wont say and this could be why, Florida Panthers oust record-setting Boston Bruins 4-3 in OT in Game 7, Relatives bury children killed in Russian missile attack. A condensed video of the 10-hour interrogation that pried loose a confession from the former CFB Trenton commander was shown in a Belleville, Ont., court this week. Williams vehemently denied being aware of such an order, and became defensive at the suggestion that it had been given by someone under his command. Sgt. Police say they have no knowledge of Col. Williams seeking psychiatric treatment or reports of mental illness, though his associates over the years have certainly offered their own informal diagnosis. Marie-France Comeau, along with 86 other charges. He did not know why he had targeted Marie-France from amongst all of her colleagues on the base and purposefully used his status as base commander to specifically access her personal information. [2] Instead, the interviewer would strive to appear confident yet relaxed, and at least as calm as the suspect.[3]. .. The detective broke the cold silence. Sgt. . We were trying to gather information from Miss McClintic, again, assess her credibility. . . Smyth showed no sweat, no anxiety; but within an hour, Williams was telling lies every which way but loose, while his body language confessed that he was lying; and halfway through the afternoon, Williams cracked and confessed to all his crimes.In 2007 Smyth began working with the Ontario Provincial Police force's Polygraph Unit, Behavioral Sciences and Analysis Services. click here. Other times he gained entry by cutting a screen, forcing a window open, or picking a lock. When he asked the colonel what he had done on Friday, January 29, 2010, the day following Jessica Lloyds disappearance, Williams explained that he had stayed home for most of the day. Sgt. Upon returning to the base later that night, he had driven straight back to his home in Ottawa to spend a couple of days with his wife. Smyth said the investigation was complete, solved by science. That's why investigators will typically study up on their subject before entering the interrogation room, carefully reviewing the items found in police searches. Creator Robert Banks Stewart Stars John Nettles Terence Alexander Sean Arnold See production, box office & company info Get email updates from your favourite authors. Police responded quickly. ], You wont believe me, I know, but I am sorry for having taken your daughter from you. [np-related]In his written reasons, Judge Langdons criticism of Det.-Sgt. The searches of Williamss properties turned up his camera, a duffel bag containing a black skull cap, a manual for lock picking, and boxes and pillowcases stuffed with underwear and lingerie. Van Allen concluded that the prowler posed an increasing danger for a hands on sexual assault.. He broke into her house on Highway 37 near, , Ontario, at about 1:00 a.m. on 29 January, and found Lloyd asleep. Colonel Williams sniffled. As Williams worked on the diagrams, Detective-Sergeant Smyth excused himself to print off some maps so that he could pinpoint the exact location of Jessicas body. However, the confession contradicts McClintic's claims at the ongoing trial of Rafferty that she was the one who dealt the fatal blows to the eight-year-old girl. The stern expression on Williamss face and his folded arms revealed the mixed bag of emotions he felt as he was told that the case managers refused to pull any punches. to colleagues, clients or customers, or inquire about She learned of One Little Goat Theatre Company's plans a week before the seventh anniversary of Lloyd's death. All you ever heard of. Russell Williams is interrogated by OPP Det-Sgt. And with that, Smyth had delivered what is known within policing circles as a soft rights caution. rights reserved. In the Williams interview, it became clear that his relationship with his wife was very important, which Smyth keyed into when he offered him the chance to minimize the impact on his spouse. When he returned later that same evening, he drove straight back to Ottawa to help his wife with some unpacking, since he had the Monday off work. Okay, Russ, youre doing the right thing here, the detective assured him as he offered his open hand to the confessed killer. But I do want to talk to you, Jim, the colonel said wistfully as the officer turned to leave the room. That civilization was known to overwhelm and assimilate entire other civilizations; in stating its intent the Borg collective always announced: Resistance is futile.. . . . He then explained to the officer that he had killed her on Friday night before flying some troops to California early the next morning. What do four of the world's top body language, behavior, and interrogation experts want to know from Ontario Provincial Police Detective Superintendent Jim Smyth? . . Reg Rackham of Ontario Provincial Police never drew his gun during 26 years of police work. Williams sniffed and held his open hand against the side of his bowed face, resting his chin on the heel of his palm. In. Marie-France Comeau. Smyth asked, All right, so where is she [Lloyd]? Williams replied, You got a map?. The proud military man would be certain to want to save face, contain the damage, and minimize the impact. The looming DNA test that will inevitably identify him as being a killer. expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Toronto [1][2][3][4] Smyth also discovered the remains of Tori Stafford.[5]. . Straight shooter Sgt. But he plugged along relentlessly, without losing his footing.[7]. He offered Williams another chance to explain how or why his DNA could have gotten inside any of the victims homes. In effect, the 100-page analysis of Det.-Sgt. This article was published more than 12 years ago. The bizarre case shocked the military and the country and became an international media sensation. Director Adam Seelig cast two women playing the parts of Smythand Williams alternating between the roles, and they'llbe joined by a drummer on stage to fillin censored gaps of the transcript. When we find out whos responsible for one or all of those crimes, they could be charged. . Tori's disappearance touched off a massive investigation in the spring of 2009, with nearly 1,000 officers involved at various points. Both women were asleep when Williams broke in. suburb of Orleans. These are identical, okay? Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay, Rex Murphy and others. Williamss next victim was Jessica Lloyd. Okay. . Let me ask you this, Smyth continued. Involved in countless murder and. Dafoe grew up with the 27-year-old Belleville resident, who was killed in 2010 by the former commander of CFB Trenton in eastern Ontario. Mark Mendelson, a retired homicide investigator, said Williams has the air of someone who does not think he is about to get caught. The detective told him that further efforts had been taken to identify the vehicle responsible for making the tracks, including collecting witness reports. I know she loved you very muchshe told me so, again and again. this place. . How do you feel about what youve done?. Detective Sergeant Jim Van Allen, a criminal profiler with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), assessed the information on the Orleans break-ins and deduced that as the intruder continued to evade detection, he was becoming more aggressive. The attacks occurred in areas where Williams lived and frequented. I want you to see what I mean.. If you are a Home delivery print subscriber, unlimited online access is, OPP detective used 'Reid technique' to get Russell Williams to confess, GARRIOCH: Billon dollar bid for Senators puts Reynolds and Remington Group in driver's seat, BUSTED: Cops arrest two, seize drugs and cash raid at Barrhaven residence, Katy Perry will be temporarily replaced by big-name star on 'American Idol', PSAC STRIKE: Union plans to bus in members to Ottawa for rally if deal not reached over the weekend, Public service union says weekend bargaining yields progress on wages, job security, tap here to see other videos from our team. whether its you or whether its anybody else, all right?. Police found tire tracks whose distinctive tread narrowed the range of potential suspect vehicles to a few, including the Nissan Pathfinder. I have to know the numbers.. Seelig said, "I'm not staging a conflict," the production was not meant as a provocation. In December 2011, it was announced that Smyth was assigned to the criminal behavioural analysis section of the Ontario Provincial Police and is the unit coordinator for the four-member polygraph unit. Williams looked up at him, shook his hand, and then passively cast his eyes to the floor. "I could see a portion of a garbage bag underneath the rocks," Smyth testified, taking several long pauses as he appeared to compose himself. does Toyo Open Country H/Ts. Detective-Sergeant Jim Smyth began his career with the York Regional Police (in Ontario, Canada) in 1988 before joining the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in 1997. Williams finally gave up all pretence of innocence. Perhaps the most flabbergasting of those hints, investigators say, is the euthanizing of Curio, an 18-year-old indoor cat that had been with the officer and his wife, Mary-Elizabeth Harriman, since it was a kitten. Well, you start by telling the truth, Smyth replied firmly. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 13 years to the day that he was acquitted of the murders in Brentwood, Simpson was convicted of robbery and kidnapping and was later sentenced up to 33 years. This week, when Col. Williams stands in a Belleville, Ont., courtroom and pleads guilty more than 80 times, his many victims have said they hope to find an inkling of an explanation in the horrifying spectacle. With true military precision, Colonel Russell Williams arrived at the Ottawa police headquarters at 3 p.m. and reported for his scheduled interview. got off on having that label, [Paul] Bernardo being one of them. Essentially [it] has become more and more precise to the point where, when you and I walked in this room earlier today, we couldve sat down, talked for thirty seconds, walked out. He is the detective who was tasked with confronting Williams about his crimes. This copy is for your personal non-commercial use only. Smyth later made attempts to gain an understanding of the psychology behind his quickly escalating attacks. Jim Smyth joined York Regional Police in 1989. Some places you get arrested and executed on the same day.". In court in Belleville on 8 February, Williams was charged with murder, sexual assault and forcible confinement. sexual misconduct in the Canadian military, OPP officer whose mastery in interrogation, CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices. Over the next few hours he admits to the murders and rapes he committed while holding down his day-job as the commander of Canada's largest air force base. Ottawa Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. . Williams hid the body in his garage. In Canada, once a person has been cautioned (advised of his/her right to remain silent), even if they choose to lawyer up, police can continue questioning the suspect before their lawyer is present. However, 15 of the 25 Orleans families whose homes were broken into reported the crimes to the Ottawa Police Department. No, Williams said, still sitting with his arms folded in front. Its about thirty minutes from thereno, probably twentyfrom there to my home.. . It was a clear case of arson, and five people from Marlborough were duly convicted of the crime. . A recurring theme in Det.-Sgt. Video ConfessionRussell Williams's confession to police, via YouTube. Sources close to the investigation scoff at the idea that the cat was a possible trigger - and not merely because it sounds so absurd, but more so because it can't be squared with the chronology of Col. William's dark descent; Curio's death took place more than a year after Col. Williams began his string of lingerie thefts. . One does not need a diploma in psychology to understand that a person with the psychological and mental impairments [that Mr. Armishaw has] is a uniquely vulnerable individual when confronted with a vastly more clever interrogator who is in a position of authority in relation to him, Judge Langdon wrote. I am so very sorry for having hurt you like this. Jim Tomsavic and his department issued grenades. . Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events. Signing up enhances your TCE experience with the ability to save items to your personal reading list, and access the interactive map. . .. If he was feeling at all stressed or concerned from having been called in to speak with the police, it wasnt showing. 8-Wing TrentonThe official Air Force website for the Canadian Forces Base at Trenton, Ontario. I was hoping not, said the man who was once called a shining bright star of the Canadian military. Chris Nicholas told reporters in Belleville earlier this week. Yeah, no, I understand, Williams interrupted. They were settled with undisclosed financial payments in 2014. Smyth gets down to business by slowly revealing to Williams what police have found out about the murders of Jessica Lloyd and Cpl. The detective broke the cold silence . He stood staring at the floor as the detective asked two questions that would soon be on the minds of many people. At the heart of the case is the brutal death of the dear little girl a whole country came to know in the spring and summer of 2009, Victoria (Tori) Stafford, The wife of serial sex killer Russell Williams has decided not to seek a stay of a recent court decision rejecting her legal appeal to prevent media coverage of her intended divorce proceedings. but maybe Im wrong. Williams is considered one of the most heinous criminals in Canadian history. The few people who were close with Col. Williams have said Curio's death, which took place around the 2008 Christmas holidays, had a profound and visible impact. Then he was asked about Comeau and the circumstances of his first murder. But the hard drives he had carefully hidden in aluminum air vents in the garage, and a large cache of womens underwear was stashed in an empty computer scanner box that sat amongst unpacked boxes lining the basement wall of their newly built executive home. Some of the memory cards were simply stowed in a camera bag, while others were tucked away in a desk drawer in his office. But now his sly charm and relentless. He felt cornered, and his fight-or-flight responses were in obvious conflict with each other. Williams smiled and shook his head. He mentions it on two or three occasions," said a source close to the investigation who has reviewed Col. William's detailed statement to police. Smyth had not only managed to establish a rapport with the commander of the countrys largest military base, but in a very short time had also earned his respect and admiration. Had he been there at any time? Robin McKay Current Workplace. To Laurie Massicotte, his second sexual assault victim, he wrote: I am sorry for having hurt you the way I did. Several hours pass by and Smyth makes it increasingly clear there is heavy suspicion surrounding Williams. ), Monterey Park, CA Police Department FBINA 214th Session Member - International Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Investigative Operations Committee Email: Jim.Smith@ecoatm.com While the interview was in progress, officers with search warrants were going through the cottage in Tweed, and through Williamss Ottawa home in the presence of his shocked wife. And they are absolutely not considering these whatsoever," Dafoe said. Williams unfolded his arms and leaned forward, his interest keenly focused on the photographs before him. Williams pulled his chair closer to the desk and stared down at the photos that the detective had earlier laid out. Jamie Gillespie was arrested and charged with attempting to intercept private communication, obstructing justice, breach of trust, counselling an offence that is not committed, and obstructing a peace officer. Jessica was a beautiful, gentle young woman. The couple, who were childless, lived for 13 years in a house on Wilkie Drive in the. McClintic, 21, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in April 2011. During this line of questioning, Williams folded his formerly relaxed arms in front of him, a pose that hed maintain for much of the rest of the interview. JOIN OUR BODY LANGUAGE MASTERCLASS: http://thebehaviorpanel.com/PLEASE SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/thebehaviorpanel?sub_confirmation=1 MERCH STORE: https://thebehaviorpanel.myspreadshop.com/FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebehaviorpanelists : Body Language Tactics - https://body-language-tactics.mykajabi.com/body-language-tactics-landing : FREE TRAINING: http://TruthAndLies.ca : http://BehaviorProfiler.com : Body Language Tactics https://body-language-tactics.mykajabi.com/body-language-tactics-landingTRUE CRIME PLAYLIST: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLguNzIxZa3ERwKVFvXw7ynFGH36PveAtYDetective-Sergeant Jim Smyth began his career with the York Regional Police (in Ontario, Canada) in 1988 before joining the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in 1997.