Cpl. Matthew Wilcox, the 24-year-old soldier from Glace Bay, N.S., who was convicted in July of criminal negligence causing death and neglect of duty, is framed by a railing as he is escorted from his sentencing hearing in Sydney, N.S. on Friday, Sept. 11, 2009.ANDREW VAUGHAN
Raw emotion crackled through a Halifax courtroom as the family of a Canadian soldier killed by his tent-mate in Afghanistan testified about the devastation left by the shooting.
After two courts martial, Matthew Wilcox was found guilty of criminal negligence causing death and negligent performance of a military duty. Kevin Megeney, 25, of Stellarton, N.S., was killed.
At a sentencing hearing in Halifax, Mr. Megeney's family described receiving word that he had been wounded. Supporters flocked to their home in Stellarton and chaos broke out when a chaplain arrived with news that the young man had died.
"I just flipped out. Started crying, I just lost it," said his father, Ronald Dexter Megeney. "My oldest daughter collapsed on the floor and my youngest daughter, she fell in my arms."
The victim's mother described how she had been prepared for only two outcomes: either her son was lightly wounded and would be treated in Kandahar, or he was badly wounded and she would have to pack for a trip to the military hospital in Germany.
Instead, Karen Megeney testified, she learned she had lost her only son.
"You never forget your child," she said. "It's just, here's your life and then there's a hole. And nothing can fill it."
Mr. Wilcox said he shot his fellow soldier in a case of mistaken identity, believing an intruder was in his tent. Prosecutors have alleged it was a game of quick-draw gone horribly awry. He was convicted as well in an earlier court martial, and sentenced to four years, but that conviction was overturned on appeal.
The victim's uncle, George Megeney, a former serviceman, told reporters that Mr. Wilcox's explanation was "ludicrous."
Earlier Thursday he had testified about the family's military tradition, dating to the First World War, and said he cannot forget advice he gave his nephew before he deployed.
"When you get to Afghanistan place all your trust in your commanders and your fellow soldiers," he recalled saying. "Given what happened, that conversation has haunted me."
With files from Canadian Press
Oliver Moore