"We are all in shock, and emotionally it's very difficult to deal with it," said Gen. Walter Natynczyk.
Williams, 46, turned himself in Sunday to Ottawa police for questioning in the disappearance of Jessica Lloyd and the murder of Cpl. Marie-France Comeau. Authorities allegedly found close similarities in the treads of snow tires on Williams' truck and tracks found at one of the crime scenes.
Dept.of National Defense via The Canadian Press, AP
Col. Russell Williams, here in 2009, turned himself in Sunday for questioning in the disappearance of one woman and the slaying of another.
Lloyd, 27, was reported missing Jan. 29. Authorities conducted a two-day ground search but were unable to locate her. Investigators have not yet commented on what, if any, relationship she had with Williams.
According to Ontario Provincial Police Detective Inspector Chris Nicholas, there were similarities between the crimes that led police to believe they were connected. Nicholas would not comment on any specifics, but he did say that one indicator was the "geographical similarities."
Few other details about the investigation have been made available to the media. Unnamed sources told The Globe and Mail that Williams made a confession to police and led detectives to a wooded area where they found Lloyd's body. The newspaper also reported that Williams gave investigators a statement regarding four dozen break-ins and two sexual assaults.
As a result of the investigation and Williams' alleged statements, he was charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Lloyd and Comeau and two counts each of forcible confinement, breaking and entering, and sexual assault related to two separate home invasions that occurred in the Belleville region of southeastern Ontario in September 2009.
"These results must be bittersweet for the families. However, the knowledge that this has been solved is the beginning to the healing and grieving process," Belleville Police Chief Cory McMullan said.
According to Natynczyk, the Canadian military will be conducting an "administrative review" to find out whether it missed anything that would have indicated Williams had a propensity for violence.
Williams is a 23-year career member of the Canadian Forces. Last year he earned the rank of colonel and was given command of the Trenton base. Before that, he was commander of Camp Mirage in the Middle East.
"Structure, rigidity and having complete control over others is one of many personality facets that define a narcissist like Col. Russell Williams," criminal investigative psychologist Dr. Maurice Godwin told AOL News.
"To others who knew Col. Williams, his life and accomplishments appeared perfect," Godwin continued. "In reality, though, his life was a facade; he hid his flaws, and this resulted in internal conflicts, rage, anger and frustration. To shore up his perceived inadequacies, he resorted to expressive aggression and eventually projected the blame on the women whom he allegedly murdered."
Investigators are trying to determine whether Williams is connected to any other unsolved crimes in areas where he has previously served. They are reportedly reviewing cases in Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax. Thus far, no links have been found.
