Cape Dorset (Apr 21/03) - A decision released by a Nunavut judge last week means Salamonie Jaw, accused of the first degree murder of an RCMP constable, will be tried in his home community of Cape Dorset -- also the community where the crime he is accused of took place.

Jaw was charged with the shooting murder of RCMP Const. Jurgen Seewald. The constable died on March 5, 2001, while responding to a domestic dispute at the Jaw residence.

Seewald was 47 years old and a 26-year RCMP veteran. Jaw has been in custody since the shooting.

Crown lawyers first submitted a change-of-venue application in February of 2002. They wanted the trial to be moved to another community.

Last week, after waiting more than a year, they received the chance to make their arguments. Judge Rene Foisy presided over the change-of-venue hearing and denied the Crown's application. Crown lawyers were not available for comment.

A publication ban has been issued prohibiting the media from releasing the details of the hearing.

For this reason, the media cannot report why the Crown hoped to hold the trial outside of Cape Dorset.

The CBC challenged the ban in court but was unsuccessful.

Jaw's trial date will be set on June 5 at the Nunavut Court of Justice in Iqaluit.