Iqaluit (Mar 29/04) - Mark Jeffrey will stand trial for first degree murder.

Jeffrey, 23, was in Nunavut Adult Court March 24 for final statements of the preliminary hearing.

Jeffrey is charged with first degree murder in the death of 13-year-old Jennifer Naglingniq in December 2002. Justice Robert Kilpatrick listened to final submissions from Crown prosecutors Myrian Bryant and John Solski. Susan Cooper, Jeffrey's defence lawyer, declined a final statement.

After a short recess, Kilpatrick ruled that Jeffrey will stand trial.

The preliminary hearing started, which started in December, has stirred a lot of emotions in the community.

The courtroom was packed with family and friends of the accused and the victim who wanted to hear Kilpatrick's decision.

Jeffrey will be back in court on April 8 to set a date for the trial.

None of the comments made or evidence presented during the preliminary hearing could be published because of a publication ban.