Crown stays 2nd-degree murder charge against Iqaluit woman

Crown prosecutor John Solski on Nov. 7 stayed a charge of second-degree murder against a 32-year-old Iqaluit woman, on the apparent grounds that there is not enough evidence to get a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt

Police laid the charge against Susie Nakashuk, who was 30, on March 26, 2010, following a five-week investigation.

The charge was laid in connection with the death of Kelly Lucassie, 43, whose body was found Feb. 19, 2010 inside housing unit 309C. At the time, police said there was no known relationship between Nakashuk and Lucassie.

Nakashuk’s lawyer, Mia Manocchio, told Nunatsiaq News that it’s extremely unlikely, given the nature of certain evidence, that guilt beyond a reasonable doubt could have been proven.

A stay of proceedings does not mean that the charge is withdrawn. But it effectively means that proceedings in court are over.

If new evidence surfaces within 12 months, the Crown may revive the charge, though this is highly unlikely.

“Beyond a reasonable doubt” is the basic standard of proof for criminal trials. It means if a judge or jury hold doubts based on common sense or reason, they must find the accused person not guilty.