Soldier convicted in death of Cpl. Kevin Megeney faces prison time, dismissal
A 24-year-old Nova Scotia soldier who shot and killed his tent mate in Afghanistan two years ago is expected to be sentenced on Tuesday. In July, Cpl. Matthew Wilcox was convicted on charges of negligent performance of duty and criminal negligence causing the death of fellow soldier Cpl. Kevin Megeney. During his trial in Sydney, Wilcox testified that he heard a gun being drawn behind him and fired in self-defense, only to realize afterward that he had shot his colleague. The prosecution, on the other hand, says the death resulted from a game gone awry. According to retired colonel Michael Drapeau, who operates a legal practice in Ottawa, a prison term for Wilcox is unlikely. “He could face dismissal or just dismissal with disgrace,” he says. George Megeney, Kevin Megeney’s uncle, is pushing for a four year sentenced—the minimum a civilian would face if convicted of the same crime.