Forever playing catch-up

This charge has undoubtedly been in the works for months, as the circumstances surrounding MCpl Walsh's death were investigated:

The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) charged a soldier stationed at Canadian Forces Base Shilo, today, in relation to the shooting death of Master Corporal (MCpl) Jeffrey Scott Walsh, in Afghanistan, on August 9, 2006.

MCpl Robbie Fraser, of the 2nd Battalion of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Regiment (PPCLI), was charged with one count of Manslaughter, contrary to Section 130 of the National Defence Act, pursuant to Section 236 of the Criminal Code, and one count of Negligent Performance of Duty, contrary to Section 124 of the National Defence Act.

Unfortunately, it will be seen as a reaction to this story:

Walsh stepped up his attempt to find out what happened to his son just before Christmas. He sent out e-mails and letters and made phone calls to a handful of military officials, including the chief of defence staff, Gen. Rick Hillier.

He said he received a handwritten letter from Hillier, who stated that he understood the process of determining what occurred was "painfully slow, but it is unfortunately necessary."

...

Still, Walsh, a retired RCMP officer, said the whole process of trying to learn more about the circumstances of his son’s death came as a surprise. He said it left him and his wife Margie saddened that military families would have to fight to get any insight into their loved ones’ final moments.

Way to miss the PR boat once again, folks.

Update: Told ya.