. He then asks him general questions before getting him to agree to submit a DNA sample and an imprint of his boots. I dont see that in you. In one home, he had left a taunting message on a computer. [8] Smyths behavior could be due to the detectives efforts to keep talkinganother golden rule for interviewing suspects. Ontario Provincial Police. Neighbours at his former home in the Ottawa suburb of Orleans, as well as neighbours at the couple's cottage in the village of Tweed, recalled the decorated officer being near tears when he told them about Curio's passing. Ontario Provincial Police - Ontario Police Memorial Foundation Coincidentally, perhaps, Cary Road was often used by the colonels next-door neighbor to reach his secluded hunting camp. Colonel Russell Williams appears in a Belleville, Ont., courtroom on Oct. 7, 2010, as depicted by a sketch artist. Smyth abruptly changed the topic again and began discussing swipe access cards that were used on the base. Okay, Russ, youre doing the right thing here, the detective assured him as he offered his open hand to the confessed killer. Butts, E. (2016). Straight shooter Sgt. . . Sgt. consistent with a Pathfinder. Okay, you want discretion, we need to have some honesty, okay? Famed detective Jim Smyth's interrogation techniques derail murder case [2] Modern police tactics are much more benign and non-adversarial. Right now. There were a couple more fairly simple and straightforward things that Smyth said he had to discuss to make sure everybody was clear. . Once Williams was in the interrogation room, Smyth confronted him with questions for which he had no satisfactory answers. Hmmm was the only sound he could muster as he shuffled farther back into his seat. I am sorry for having taken your daughter from youI know you wont be able to believe me, but it is the case. But he was wrong. In another, police found semen on a photograph of a woman. I want you to see what I mean.. Catching a Killer: A deeper look into the police interrogation of Russel Williams. He was introduced to Detective-Sergeant Jim Smyth, a forty-something, slightly bookish, unassuming officer in a dark suit and tie. I am sorry to have caused you so much more. Recognizing that the colonel was in a vulnerable state and close to breaking, Smyth continued to push. Eventually he began to take breaks from his seat, leaning against the wall for long periods of time. . that I can shed some light on for you? Smyth said softly, with a caring, compassionate tone. Smyth then elicited more details of the four attacks, despite fumbling over the names of the two sexual assault victims and having to be reminded by their attacker. Three new, buzzed-about beauty products we tried this week. Robin McKay Current Workplace. The detective told him that further efforts had been taken to identify the vehicle responsible for making the tracks, including collecting witness reports. Jim Smyth, a veteran investigator, is the other man seen in the video. Brent Snook, a forensic psychologist and professor at Memorial University, said Smyth's interview was highly professional and non-confrontational in nature. McClintic, 21, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in April 2011. In 2007, Smyth began working with the Ontario Provincial Police force's polygraph unit, behavioural sciences and analysis services. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Jim Smyth, the star Ontario Provincial Police interrogator who famously pried a confession from sex killer Russell Williams, has a reputation that demands a screenplay. That suggests that Smyth had two possible levers to pull in the Williams interrogation: a growing mountain of evidence andWilliams' concern about his wife's reaction to the news that she was married to a killer. Smyth is seen in the interrogation videos at first trying to earn Williams's trust and offering access to a lawyer. Interview with Jim Smyth: Colonel Russell Williams Interview - YouTube Colonel Russell Williams appears in a Belleville, Ont., courtroom on Oct. 7, 2010, as depicted by a sketch artist.Alex tavshunsky. It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. Detective Inspector (formerly Detective Sergeant), "Top OPP interrogator credited with McClintic, Williams confessions | CBC News", "Famed detective Jim Smyth's interrogation techniques derail murder case", "Veteran detectives share stories of PTSD", "OPP officer tells of how he discovered Tori Stafford's body", "Christie Blatchford: A sketch and a hunch led Jim Smyth to find Tori Stafford's body", "James Smyth's Order of Merit of the Police Forces Citation", "Detectives in Russell Williams case honoured by Governor General", "James Smyth's Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal Citation", "James Smyth's Police Exemplary Service Medal Citation", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jim_Smyth&oldid=1147621219, This page was last edited on 1 April 2023, at 03:35. 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. . Our team will be reviewing your submission and get back to you with any further questions. . When they returned to their seats following the break, Williams was no longer chewing on the wad of gum. things like that?. Williams cast his eyes downward. Theres no issue about the fact that youre the one that caused these injuries to Jaydin, okay? Det.-Sgt. Insp. He broke into her house on Highway 37 near Belleville, Ontario, at about 1:00 a.m. on 29 January, and found Lloyd asleep. 2023 Ottawa Sun, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. In July 2009, on instinct, he searched arural roadnear Mount Forest, Ont., and found the remains of eight-year-old Victoria, who disappeared more than three months earlier. 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. Its about thirty minutes from thereno, probably twentyfrom there to my home.. 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. 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. For all of them, including Smyth, the question of consent and traumaare at the core of the One Little Goat Theatre Company and Seelig's initiative. Doug Bradley. However, whether or not Williamss confession was actually required for conviction, considering the vast amount of physical evidence that was seized from his homes, will remain a matter of legal conjecture. Jim Collins, Alicia Lampert, Felix Zavala, Ron Larmour, Len Morlan and Sandy Angotti. At the University of Toronto's Scarborough campus residence, he was known for demanding cleanliness, and he was repeatedly bugged about his obsessive compulsive-type behaviour. Snook said this type of approach relies on having an officer build a rapport with the suspect and listen carefully to what is said. LONDON, ONT. Undercover officers were posted to watch Wilkie Drive, but without results. Well, I dont think you want the cold-blooded psychopath option. Yeah, the colonel mumbled, his eyes still locked onto the desk. This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. He would later be charged with numerous counts of break-and-enter. He is leaning forward, he's actually nodding in agreement with everything that's being said to him," he said. the officer asked. Photo by Northern News / KL Video ConfessionRussell Williams's confession to police, via YouTube. News of Williamss arrest and his bizarre double-life stunned everyone who knew him and shocked the public. . She set high standards for herself and others and was devoted to the well-being of those around her. 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4. The Behavior Panel is a non-partisan group, looking to educate and entertain the public with their interest and expertise in nonverbal communication, body language, deception detection, interrogation, and resistance to interrogation.Watch the Russell Williams full interrogation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndaaSxc1PPIThis behavior profiler group takes on the task of investigating the behavior behind the crime news that often forces us to think and feel the way we do. Part of their mandate is to pore over unsolved cases to establish links between violent crimes that have been reported by police agencies through (ViCLAS). There was a female police officer that actually drove by that location that evening and recalls seeing an SUV-type vehicle in the field. The director calls it a documentary on stage. He could also smell a slight odour of decomposition, he said. Jim Smith Bio - EcoATM And Im pretty sure the answers dont matter., Smyth could have disagreed, but instead kept the momentum going. Smyth advised him that the police had a list of attorneys that could be made available to him to provide free advice over the phone, and asked whether hed like to call one now. 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. Jessica was a beautiful, gentle young woman. Sgt. . You and I both know theyre going to find evidence that links you to these situations, okay? The tone of the formerly mild-mannered detectives voice grew noticeably more combative as the colonels bowed head began to nod very subtly, perhaps unconsciously, in response. After another long pause, Williams sighed. 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. He used rational arguments to convince Williams that he had been caught. National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. At the time, he had murdered two young women by suffocation, beaten and tied up two of his neighbours before photographing them naked, and stolen about 500 items of lingerie and clothing from the closets of unsuspecting women. Timothy Appleby, A New Kind of Monster (2011). Used primarily by hunters, there were no homes or other buildings anywhere along the road. Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. In court in Belleville on 8 February, Williams was charged with murder, sexual assault and forcible confinement. Because this is, this is getting out of control really fast, Russell. whether its you or whether its anybody else, all right?. . Audience Relations, CBC P.O. .. ", Audience Relations, CBC P.O. Soon after, Williams tells Smyth to get a map. .. but another thing that can often happen in cases like this is that people become concerned about. I didnt know any of them, he said. . Cpl. "We have one of the best justice systems in the world. On the night of 2. . Williams raped her and made her pose for photographs. In both cases the victims called the police, but only after the Massicotte attack did the OPP advise the public. As for the the current stage production, he said it's meant to examine a national trauma in a "safe space in which we can discuss.". The fact that he spoke so openly and candidly with his interrogator was indicative of two things: the colonels resolve at sticking to a decision once he had made it, and the great sense of relief he probably felt from having unbottled all of his horrific secrets. Both were bound and blindfolded, assaulted, and forced to pose nude for photographs. His Nissan Pathfinder and his hoard of stolen garments were destroyed. OPP Sergeant Jamie Gillespie Pleads Guilty to attempting to intercept Williams sat with his head bowed forward, his hands on his knees. He was introduced to Detective-Sergeant Jim Smyth, a forty-something, slightly bookish, unassuming officer in a dark suit and tie. To Laurie Massicotte, his second sexual assault victim, he wrote: I am sorry for having hurt you the way I did. rights reserved. When that evidence comes in and that DNA matches, when that phone rings, and somebody knocks on this door. there is a warrant being executed at your residence in Ottawa, okay? However,Smyth and the OPP told CBC Toronto they are opposed to the production and Smyth fully supports the efforts of Lloyd's family and friends to stop it. Suddenly the unshakable colonel looked very uncomfortable. Media outlets praised Smyth for following his "hunch," though the detective shrugged it off, saying that the police had followed "hundreds of hunches" that hadn't yielded anything. expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Toronto Smyth then began focusing his questions on Marie-France Comeau, and asked Williams how they had met. . got off on having that label, [Paul] Bernardo being one of them. Ontario Provincial Police Det. Smyth said in the interrogation. What began as a fetish to steal womens undergarments grew into a compulsion to rape and murder. Okay, Ill be right back.. . It was behind that rock pile and underneath an evergreen tree that police would find Tori Stafford, she said. "The only thing he expressed regret about was his cat. Really fast," Smyth tells Williams, shortly before he confesses. He offered Williams another chance to explain how or why his DNA could have gotten inside any of the victims homes. The conversation soon took another dramatic shift. "It's a smart man, outsmarted by a smarter man," OPP Det. Russell Williams is interrogated by OPP Det-Sgt. The colonel studied the maps and plotted the specific spot where he had hidden Jessicas body. Driver charged in crashed that injured CTV reporter in Ont. ., It was a carefully crafted statement that offered the colonel a modicum of control over the events that were rapidly transpiring around him. Experts who have watched the video are impressed with the way Smyth handled the interrogation. Toronto Star articles, please go to: www.TorontoStarReprints.com, Conversations are opinions of our readers and are subject to the, 211 Pritchard Road, Unit 4, Hamilton ON L8J 0G5. As the detective told him that investigators were applying for a warrant to search his office at the military base, Williams sat upright and sighed, his earlier confidence clearly diminished. 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. Just tell me what you saw.". As a pilot of VIP transport planes, he had passengers such as Prime Minister Jean Chrtien, and Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. "Let's be clear, this play has not been'written.' I know youll take good care of sweet Rosie [their cat]. Then Williams took Lloyd to his silver-coloured 2001 Nissan Pathfinder, parked in a nearby field, and drove her to his cottage. . Interviews are conducted one-on-one, so there is no real or perceived ganging up to intimidate the suspect. Asked in court on March 30 about the details of his session with McClintic, Smyth replied, "It was an interview. He challenged the colonel as to why he did not use his swipe card on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 (the day following Comeaus murder), despite the fact that it was used every other day that week at the base. It included personnel and a search-and-rescue aircraft from CFB Trenton, authorized by Colonel Williams. Smyth was recently promoted to the OPP's major criminal investigations branch as a major case manager. But I cant answer that question.. Have you spent much time thinking about it?, Yeah, but I dont know the answers. Williams took a long pause, his eyes glazed. The proud military man would be certain to want to save face, contain the damage, and minimize the impact. I know you wont be able to believe me, but it is true. Marie-France was a professional, caring and compassionate woman who earned the respect of all with whom she came into contact. Recovering alcoholic and divorced father of a young daughter, DS Jim Bergerac is a true maverick who prefers doing things his own way, and consequently doesn't always carry out his investigations the way his boss would like. . Provincial Court Judge Mike Dinkel excluded the confession, concluding she told Calgary police what they wanted to hear. Smyth asked him about what kind of feelings he experienced with Jessica, having spent almost twenty-four hours together. That interrogation, in June 2007, lasted just over an hour and ended with a vague confession that the judge ruled was involuntary, obtained by threats of harsh, severe and unsympathetic treatment from the courts if Mr. Armishaw did not give up the right to remain silent and confess.. As he sat quietly with his head slumped forward, holding his face in his hand, his body language spoke clearly. this place. The detectives conversational-style questioning flip-flopped around with little apparent focus, often seeming to lack any specific direction or structure. ], You wont believe me, I know, but I am sorry for having taken your daughter from you. The video begins with Smyth telling Williams why he has been called in to speak with police. The case remains open. A neighbor by the name of Larry Jones: the Mayor of Cosy Cove. . If he was feeling at all stressed or concerned from having been called in to speak with the police, it wasnt showing. Police responded quickly. Williamss next victim was Jessica Lloyd. The detective took a strategic pause to build his quarrys anticipation before revealing another photograph. Williams was decorated for his years of exemplary service and for a tour of duty in the Middle East. Jim Munsterman, Alicia Lampert and Bill Holmes. . The colonel raised his head and looked passively at the police officer. Smyth was not the only police officer to be criticized in the ruling. Tori's disappearance touched off a massive investigation in the spring of 2009, with nearly 1,000 officers involved at various points. Smyth talked briefly about the four crimes that had by now obviously been linked: the two sexual assaults in Tweed, the sex murder of Marie-France Comeau, and the suspicious disappearance of Jessica Lloyd. . I do hope that you find a way to succeed. No doubt youll sleep a bit easier now that Ive been caught. Both officers were shot and killed . [5], I know youre an intelligent person, and you probably dont need to hear this explanation, the detective said, stroking the colonels ego to win his favor. . "Its great evidence," he said. you ever heard of. L-R: Lou Johns, Bryan Pendleton and Jimmy McCaskill. It may be consistent with other things, but consistent with a Pathfinder. We were trying to gather information from Miss McClintic, again, assess her credibility. Rafferty has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, sexual assault causing bodily harm and abduction. "It wasn't hard, so it wasn't a rock. In 2003, Smyth was part of an investigative team that developed an interrogation strategy that led to the confession of child murderer Michael Briere. . After 10 years of front line policing. 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. Williams spoke frankly and matter-of-factly, showing no emotion as he described how he had planned and carried out the rapes and murders. . As he sensed an imminent confession, the detective shuffled his chair closer and purposefully mirrored the colonels pose. Marie-France Comeau, along with . Unlike the interrogation tactics of yesteryear, thered be no swinging lampshades with hot lights, no tired good-cop, bad-cop acts with testosterone-fueled shouting matches, and no pounding fists with rolled-up sleeves. So on that July day more than 14 weeks after Tori disappeared outside her elementary school in Woodstock, when Smyth drove down the Concession 6 sideroad southeast of Mount Forest, a house that he saw stopped him in his tracks, he testified Friday at Rafferty's trial. Jim Smith was a loving husband, father of two, and a pillar of the community. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. 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. "This type of thing is designed to overcome the will of any person, and it may be good, it may be useful at getting confessions from people who are guilty," said defence lawyer James Foord. Read more about cookies here. Born in Britain, he had immigrated to Canada as a boy. OPP officer tells of how he discovered Tori Stafford's body Smyth used the controversial 'Reid technique' with Williams, getting the former CFB Trenton commander to confess to brutally raping and killing Jessica Lloyd and Cpl. In 82 documented burglaries, Williams stole around 1,400 pieces of clothing, most of it underwear and lingerie. James Smith. Thats just the way I am, Williams replied. Thats why its important that we make sure the people understand what they have to do, and what they dont have to do, when theyre talking to us, said Smyth. ", Eventually, Williams reveals that he is concerned about the fact the OPP will soon be "tearing apart my wife's brand new house. Accused colonel told interrogators he was distressed by death of his Jim Smyth - Wikipedia "The problem is, it seems to be pretty good at getting people to say anything, so therein lies the difficulty.". 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. The detective broke the cold silence. But I do want to talk to you, Jim, the colonel said wistfully as the officer turned to leave the room. 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. 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. My role as the manager is to supervise a great team of Instructors, Course Administrators and the. In June 1997 he began working with the OPP, moving to the behavioural sciences section of the force in 2000. When search suggestions are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. The interrogatoralso cannot make it appear as if the person was forced to confess. But now his sly charm and relentless. To assist police in their grim task of finding the girl's remains, McClintic had drawn a sketch of the area where she said she and boyfriend Michael Rafferty left the body. Previously, Ed was a Detective Constable at Government of Ontario Read More Ed Johnson's Phone Number and Email Last Update 3/6/2023 5:40 AM Email e***@opp.ca Engage via Email Contact Number (905) ***-**** Engage via Phone . 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. Smith of Peterborough District Headquarters and Detective Sgt. She was in the woods, behind a rock on the east side of Cary Road, forty feet from the roadway and exactly 0.7 kilometers south of East Hungerford Road. Thetrialinto the death of Victoria Stafford has revealed disturbing details about the final hours of the Woodstock, Ont., girl, but it has also shed light on a highly skilled police interrogator. Smyth later made attempts to gain an understanding of the psychology behind his quickly escalating attacks. One can hardly hear those words without being put in mind of The Borg portrayed in Star Trek, The Next Generation, the judge wrote. These steps lessen the chances of defense counsel later suggesting that their client had given a false confession. It would then be only two days before hed be stopped and questioned by police at the fateful roadside canvass. Drupal theme by ThemeSnap.com, John Wayne Gacy Confessed to Killing Dozens (December 22, 1978). [1] As far as cops went, he seemed to have the proverbial Midas touch, the kind of cop most case investigators would want holding their ladder. Smyth began his career with the York Regional Police (in Ontario, Canada) in 1988 before joining the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in 1997. Jim Smyth questions Terri-Lynne McClintic about her involvement in Stafford's death. He then explained to the officer that he had killed her on Friday night before flying some troops to California early the next morning. . or is this something where we have to go and take a walk?. Corporal James Smith. "I could see a portion of a garbage bag underneath the rocks," Smyth testified, taking several long pauses as he appeared to compose himself. I along with the entire state of Iowa grieve for his family and friends as they try to cope with this devastating loss. I wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt, but you and I both know you were at Jessica Lloyds house, and I need to know why.. We try not to divulge any information we may have until we feel it becomes necessary, until essentially the interview turns into more of an interrogation.". There were about 10 rocks piled on top of Tori's body, ranging in size from about three kilograms to 50 kilograms, court heard. [2] Instead, the interviewer would strive to appear confident yet relaxed, and at least as calm as the suspect.[3]. I drove to Ottawa in the morning, he said as he sat up and folded his arms again. This article was published more than 12 years ago. 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. . A massive search was launched. Access articles from across Canada with one account. It was during these short breaks, when Smyth disappeared behind the closed door, that hed consult with the police monitors who had been observing from the adjacent room. In effect, the 100-page analysis of Det.-Sgt. Is there anything you can think of that anybody may have misinterpreted or anything in your history that somebody might say, Russell Williams did this?, Absolutely not. 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? Aside from this action, Dafoe like other friends and family of victims tries to stay out of the public discourse, worried that talking about it might intrigue people to attend. 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. To order In July 2009, Colonel Russell Williams, 46, became commanding officer of 8 Wing CFB Trenton. Williams clarified that she had simply not put up much of a fuss upon being taken from her house and led to his truck. But loved ones of the victims see the production of Smyth/Williamsat Theatre Passe Muraille differently. Plus, daily newsletters and events. Hed not be returning to his warm Posturepedic mattress or snuggling up to his wife anytime soon. Williamss head continued to bob in a rapid succession of gentle nods, his forehead growing increasingly flush from the stress he was under. Star Newspapers Limited and/or its licensors. He looked at the floor dismissively, as though growing increasingly annoyed with repeating answers to questions that he had already answered. After eliciting more details about the colonels day-long trip to Ottawa and the dinner that he shared with his wife before returning to Tweed that evening, the detective hastily returned to the topic of tires. I was a Military Police Officer for 3 years prior to joining the OPP in 1993. Often the suspect is asked to provide sketches of crime scenes or draft letters of apology to his victims.
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