Cape Dorset (Feb 23/04) - After three weeks of testimony, a 12-person jury found Salomonie Jaw guilty of first degree murder in the fatal shooting of Cape Dorset RCMP officer Jurgen Seewald.

Jaw, 48, will receive an automatic life sentence, which means he isn't eligible for parole for 25 years. For the past three weeks the six-man, six-woman jury heard testimony regarding the incident that happened almost three years ago. Const. Jurgen Seewald responded to a domestic dispute in March 2001 between Jaw and his common-law wife Barbara Ettinger. Jaw and Seewald fought over a shotgun and the officer was shot.

Judy Hartling, crown prosecutor for the case, said it was a very complicated and lengthy case. In the end, it took the jury almost five hours to agree on a verdict.

With the trial now over, the community is starting the healing process.

The community justice committee has brought in extra counsellors to help people deal with the incident.

The committee also went on the community radio station informing residents that there will be a healing circle for anybody affected by the trial.

Mayor Matthew Saviajuk-Jaw, Salomonie Jaw's brother, was unavailable for comment.

Although Jaw has received a life sentence, Hartling explained that he can apply for parole after 15 years. The application falls under the Faint Hope Clause in the Criminal Justice Act.