Dateline: Conduct Unbecoming - A complete timeline of Russell Williams' case, explored 

Russell Williams’ story featured on Dateline: Conduct Unbecoming is one of the most disturbing cases in Canadian history. It's a tragic tale of a decorated military officer who turned into a serial predator and murderer.

The Dateline episode tracks down Russell's transformation from a respected commander to a convicted criminal who stunned the entire nation. Not only this, the episode also exposes the chilling double life this man lived for years.

Born in 1963 in Bromsgrove, England, David Russell Williams moved to Canada with his family and began his career in 1987 by joining the Canadian Forces. Within a few years, Russell proved his skills and passion and achieved elite pilot status in 1990.

As explained in the Dateline: Conduct Unbecoming episode, Russell gradually earned the reputation of a disciplined and accomplished officer and even took charge of the VIP aircraft. Russell's biggest promotion came in 2009, the year in which he became Commander of CFB Trenton, Canada’s largest airbase.

Since he was in a highly prestigious position, David Russell Williams's criminal revelations sent shockwaves everywhere. Little did anyone know that the officer had been involved in various crimes since 2007 and had secretly recorded them.

So, what exactly did David Russell Williams do? Continue reading to explore a detailed timeline of his case.

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A disturbing descent into crime: Russell Williams case featured on Dateline: Conduct Unbecoming

For years, Dateline has been covering some of the most haunting criminal stories, and this time we're talking about the crimes of former base commander of CFB Trenton, David Russell Williams. As previously mentioned, Russell secretly stepped into the world of crime and was eventually found guilty of a string of break-ins, murder, and even s*xual assaults.

This dates back to 2007, when no one could have ever imagined that Russell had chosen a dark path. Break-ins became frequent at that time, and most of them took place near Russell Williams' house. As revealed in the Dateline episode, the officer stole women’s and girls’ lingerie and even took his pictures while wearing those stolen undergarments.

Eventually, Russell's crimes spiraled out of control in 2009 when the man targeted and sexually harassed two women at different times at their homes. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) linked the high-ranking official to a crime in 2010, when a woman named Jessica Lloyd disappeared.

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The arrest and chilling confession of D. Russell Williams

The Dateline episode also revealed that before Jessica Lloyd went missing, Cpl. Marie-France Comeau was killed in 2009 in Ontario, and Russell Williams was linked to her death. By early February 2010, investigators gathered enough evidence to confront the commander and brought him for questioning.

Unlike many criminals who try hard to maintain their innocence, D. Russell Williams startled the detectives by confessing his crimes. He killed both 27-year-old Jessica Lloyd and a colleague, Corporal Marie-France Comeau who was 37 at the time of her murder.

Not only this, but Russell Williams also confessed to the home invasions near his cottage, where he used to break into houses and steal undergarments. The Dateline episode explains how starting it was for the detective to learn that a high-ranking official with a good reputation could commit such heinous crimes.

Authorities found records of Russell's crimes at his house, including hundreds of photos and notes he had meticulously kept. As revealed in the Dateline episode, the former military officer broke into more than 80 houses.

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The swift conviction of David Russell Williams

Since D. Russell Williams never denied the break-ins and two brutal murders, he was expected to receive a life sentence. There wasn't a prolonged trial, and Russell Williams was declared guilty of all charges on October 18, 2010.

After his crimes were presented at the court, the judge sentenced Russell Williams to life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years on October 21, 2010. He was also given sentences for the break-ins, all served at the same time.

As a result, David Russell Williams was completely removed from military history. He won't be able to get parole until 2035, but given the severity of his crimes, it is highly unlikely he will ever be released.

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Also Read: Dateline: Mystery At Heath Bar Farm - 5 harrowing details about Dar Foley's murder, explored

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