The father of a Canadian soldier who was accidentally killed by one of his comrades in Afghanistan says it's time to move on.
Cpl. Matthew Wilcox faces charges of manslaughter, criminal negligence causing death and negligent performance of duty in connection with the March 2007 death of Cpl. Kevin Megeney.
A Canadian Forces news release Thursday stated that a National Investigation Service probe found that Megeney was killed by gunfire from a firearm allegedly held by Wilcox.
The two men were friends.
Dexter Megeney, the father of the killed soldier, told CTV's Canada AM the charges provide a form of closure.
"For me personally, I think it's over now, knowing that he's been charged. And that's just me. My wife and daughter feel differently, but for me it's over," he said, speaking from New Glasgow, N.S.
Wilcox, of Glace Bay, N.S. is a reservist in the 2nd Battalion, Nova Scotia Highlanders. Megeney, of Stellarton, N.S., served with the 1st Battalion, Nova Scotia Highlanders.
Megeney said military officials came to his home on Thursday to tell him about the charges. No details have been shared with him about the specifics of the charges, but he said he expects more information to come out during the trial.
Investigators have not said why there was a loaded gun in the tent at the time of Megeney's death.
Megeney said he met Wilcox and his father at his son's grave. It was a difficult encounter.
"Matthew Wilcox was very emotional there and my wife gave him a hug, but I couldn't look at him. I turned my back, it was too early," he said, adding that the past months have been "rough, very hard."
Megeney described his son as polite, giving, and exceptional.
"And he wanted to join the Canadian Forces to make a difference, and he felt like he was making a difference while he was there."
Megeney was the 45th Canadian soldier to die in Afghanistan since 2002. Since his death, another 26 have died.
