Estranged wife of convicted murderer rebuts allegations in lawsuit

The estranged wife of convicted murderer Russell Williams is denying allegations in a lawsuit filed by the family of one of the former military commander’s victims.

In a statement of defence filed with Ontario Superior Court this week, Mary Elizabeth Harriman calls for the whole lawsuit filed by the family of Jessica Lloyd to be dismissed.

Williams pleaded guilty to killing Lloyd and Cpl. Marie-france Comeau in 2010 and is serving a life prison sentence.

In a lawsuit filed earlier this year against both Williams and Harriman, Lloyd’s brother and mother seek damages for the mental suffering they say they’ve had to endure.

None of the claims they make have been proven in court.

Harriman’s statement of defence says she is in the process of divorcing Williams and only became aware of his crimes when he was arrested.

It also disputes a claim in the lawsuit that Williams secretly and fraudulently transferred assets to his wife, including their house in Ottawa, after he was criminally charged.

It says the intent was to provide Harriman with financial security during Williams’ prosecution.

There have been at least two other similar lawsuits filed by some of Williams’ other victims.

Williams was also convicted of two sexual assaults and dozens of fetish break-ins.