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Teen's death a homicide: Suspect in RCMP custody

Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services


Iqaluit (Dec 16/02) - Police have someone in custody in connection with the killing of 13-year-old Jennifer Naglingniq.

After a flurry of police activity at an Iqaluit residence over the weekend, no charges had been laid as of Sunday afternoon.

Naglingniq was found dead in her Iqaluit residence, 2230-B, shortly after midnight on Dec. 6. On Dec. 12, Staff Sgt. Mike Jeffrey said an autopsy confirmed her death was a homicide.

"(We) concluded the tragic incident involving Jennifer was of a suspicious nature and being classified as a homicide," said Jeffrey.

To date, police have refused to say who discovered the body. The death of the young girl has had a chilling effect.

Amanda Eegeesiak never used to be afraid to walk alone at night or fear for her safety in her own home.

That's all changed since the , was killed.

"If I'm walking home from school late at night, I'm always looking behind me and making sure nobody is following me or watching me," said Eegeesiak.

"I'm afraid at the house, too. I hear stuff and I always think somebody is inside."

Fifteen police officers - including specialists from Southern Canada - continue to follow leads and examine the crime scene.

Jeffrey said officers are building up their background information concerning Naglingniq's whereabouts prior to her death.

Jeffrey encouraged people with any information about Naglingniq or her death to contact police at 979-1111.

Police say Iqalungmiut have no reason to be scared.

"There is no threat to other people we know about," he said, calling the incident "isolated."

Ending violence

In the meantime, efforts are underway to help the girl's family and friends cope with the tragedy.

Naglingniq attended Grade 8 at Inuksuk high school.

Maureen Doherty, the executive director at Qulliit, Nunavut's Status of Women Council, spoke about violence against women to both Grade 8 classes Thursday morning.

Doherty also wants residents to protest the crime once more details are released.

"When we understand more what happened, we need to do something to show this level of violence is unacceptable."