Tuktoyaktuk (Mar 03/03) - Former RCMP officer and murder suspect James Elias was an all-around good guy, according to many who knew him.

Elias, 39, was charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder after a shooting incident and hostage-taking that resulted in the death of his 24-year-old brother and another man being treated for a gunshot wound Feb. 24.

The body of Brian Elias was discovered in the snow outside House 47 just after 8 p.m. Feb. 24.

Sgt. Marion Lamothe, head of the RCMP 'G' Division major crimes unit, said the victim had been shot to death with a hunting rifle.

Another man shot that evening, Samuel Gruben, Jr., suffered minor injuries.

Following the shooting, police said, Elias barricaded himself inside his home, holding his three-year-old and 14-month-old sons hostage throughout the night.

Tuk RCMP members called in reinforcements from Yellowknife and Inuvik, including a crisis negotiator and emergency response team. Negotiations with the gunman began at 7 a.m. Feb. 25. He surrendered to police without incident about three hours later.

Elias served as an RCMP officer in the North between 1985 and 1992. According to residents, he was stationed at the Tuktoyaktuk detachment during that time. He first served as a special constable and later became a regular member.

The event has shaken up the community, many of whom are related to the Elias brothers.

Since finishing his career with the RCMP, James spent about 90 per cent of his time hunting and trapping out on the land. He also worked as a scout guide and ice profiler for Gruben's Transport.

"He was well-liked. He didn't have any bad things to say of anybody. He was always open to people and always happy to help anyone in need of help," said Paul Voudrach, chair of the Tuktoyaktuk Hunters and Trappers Committee.

Brian Elias was described by Voudrach as a friendly, outgoing, happy and well-liked young man.

Also a trapper, he spent most of his time travelling between Fort McPherson, Whitehorse and Tuktoyaktuk.

Brian had lived with Voudrach's son, John, for a while. John was killed in an accident on the Tuktoyaktuk ice road two years ago.

"They were good guys, both of them," said another resident who did not wish to be identified. "Everybody knew them and liked them."

At least seven hunting rifles were seized from the suspect's residence, RCMP said, but the gun used in the shootings has not been positively identified.

James Elias will appear in Yellowknife territorial court March 4.

Funeral services for Brian Elias had not yet been scheduled at press time.