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GAMETI/RAE LAKES - The autopsy of a woman found dead in the remote community of Gameti on Feb. 27 revealed she was beaten to death.

The preliminary autopsy results showed Alice Black, 31, died from receiving a number of blows to the head

Gameti Chief Henry Gon says the community is in shock after the recent killing. - NNSL file photo

"The information we have received is that the deceased died as a result of blunt force trauma, specifically, numerous head injuries," said RCMP Sgt. Andy Ing in a phone interview Wednesday.

Ing would not disclose what object was used to inflict the head trauma.

Terry James Vital, 34, also of Gameti and Black’s common-law husband has been charged with second-degree murder. Police arrested Vital late Friday afternoon after he was last seen walking through the community carrying a rifle earlier that day.

RCMP had a warrant out for Vital’s arrest after he failed to appear in court almost a year ago in relation to two assaults on the deceased. The dates of the assaults on the woman were Nov. 17, 2007 and Feb. 9, 2008.

“Numerous attempts were made to locate (Vital), but they were unsuccessful,” Ing said, adding an investigation will review policy, practices and procedures regarding the history of this event. “An administrative review will look at all dealing with these subjects.” Gameti Chief Henry Gon said his community is in shock.

“We’ve never had something like this happen in our community,” he said. “We had an elder pass away last week and no one expected this to happen. We’re all in shock.”

Gon said Black was a well-known member of the community and was loved by friends and family.

“She was a sweet woman,” he said. “It’s really tough.”

Gon said it’s important for the community to come together and work through this difficult and tragic time.

“It’s important for us to have prayer,” he said, adding grief counseling will help members heal.

Gameti does not have its own RCMP detachment. Instead a corporal and constable stationed in Behchoko oversee policing in the community.

Vital appeared in court Tuesday in Yellowknife for a preliminary hearing. He sat quietly in the prisoner's dock wearing a grey, hooded sweater and shoulder-length hair.

"Obviously there is going to be a great deal of disclosure, the investigation is ongoing," said Crown prosecutor Sandy Aitken.

Vital also faces one charge of assaulting a peace officer and six charges of breaching court conditions.

Chief Judge Brian Bruser set all Vital's charges, aside from the murder charge, to May 12. The murder charge will be spoken to on June 2.

Vital is being held in jail until trial.

--with files from Cara Loverock