NR 08.071 - September 13, 2008
OTTAWA – Following an investigation into the death of Master Corporal Joshua Brian Roberts of the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, the Canadian Forces Military Police, specifically the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS), has concluded that his death was the result of insurgent fire.
On August 9, 2008, during the course of an engagement involving coalition forces and insurgents in the Zhari District of Afghanistan, Master Corporal Roberts suffered injuries and was pronounced dead after being evacuated to Kandahar Air Field's Multi-National Medical Facility. Based on the physical evidence, witness interviews and analysis by the Military Police investigators, the investigation concluded that his death was inflicted by the insurgents. Security personnel from a private security firm, Compass Integrated Security Solutions, not employed by the Department of National Defence, were present in the area at the time of the incident, but the investigation concluded that they were not responsible for Master Corporal Roberts' death.
The CFNIS is an independent Military Police unit with a mandate to investigate serious and sensitive matters in relation to National Defence property, Departmental employees and Canadian Forces personnel serving in Canada and abroad.
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Media Contact:
Captain Paule Poulin
Public Affairs Officer
Canadian Forces Provost Marshal
613-949-1022
