BELLEVILLE, Ont. - A Canadian Forces colonel whose murder and sex assault charges shook the military to its core plans to defend against a civil suit filed against him and his wife.
A lawyer for Col. Russell Williams -- former commander of CFB Trenton -- has filed a notice of intent to defend in the civil case.
Williams is charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of two women, sex assaults against others, and 82 other charges related to break and enter.
One of Williams' alleged sex assault victims, identified only as Jane Doe, has launched a $2.45-million lawsuit against Williams and his wife, Mary-Elizabeth Harriman.
In the suit, Doe claims Williams fraudulently transferred an Ottawa property to his wife in an effort to defeat her claim.
She also claims the "horrific and reprehensible" alleged sexual attack has left her fearful and suicidal.
Williams was a rising military star and base commander before being charged in the deaths of Jessica Lloyd, 27, and Cpl. Marie-France Comeau, 37.
The criminal charges have not yet been tested in court, nor have the allegations in the civil suit.
Williams has been committed to stand trial on the criminal charges, and his next scheduled court appearance is Oct. 7 in Belleville, Ont.
