Neils Christensen
Northern News Services

Cape Dorset (Oct 13/03) - After almost three years, the accused murderer of a Cape Dorset RCMP officer will finally go to trial.

January 29 is the date set for the trial of Salamonie Jaw, who is charged with the first degree murder of Const. Jurgen Seewald.

Seewald, 47-years-old and a 26-year RCMP veteran, was shot and killed on March 5, 2001 while responding to a domestic disturbance at Jaw's residence. The accused has been in custody since the incident.

Christine Gagnon, crown prosecutor in charge of the case, said it's not very surprising it has taken this long for the case to go to trial.

"There have been a number of setbacks and delays involving this case," she said.

The trail has been delayed because of several applications made by the defence, she said. In February the defence made an application to change the venue, which was denied. A publication ban was issued prohibiting the media from reporting any details of the hearing.

CBC challenged the ban but was unsuccessful.

Gagnon added another reason for the delay was due to scheduling problems and the Jan. 29 date was the earliest everyone could agree on.

"The more people who are involved in a case the harder it is to adjust schedules.

"It's taken some time to resolve all these applications," said Gagnon. "Now we can proceed with the trial."

The trial will be held in Cape Dorset.