Inquest into death of Nunavut man begins May 2

An inquest into the death of Tommy Anguilianuk, who died in police custody in 2013, runs May 2-6 in Hall Beach. (FILE PHOTO)

Three years after a Hall Beach man died in police custody, the office of Nunavut’s chief coroner is about to launch an inquest into his death.

Tommy Anguilianuk was arrested by police Jan. 20, 2013, but escaped custody in the Baffin community.

He was found dead by police the next day, Jan. 21.

An inquest into his death is scheduled to run May 2 to May 6 in Hall Beach.

Across Canada, when someone dies in police or government custody, it’s mandatory to hold a coroner’s inquest to determine the circumstances surrounding such a death.

Sheldon Toner, a Yellowknife-based lawyer, will lead the inquest for the coroner’s office, Nunavut’s coroner said April 13. Nunavut’s chief coroner, Padma Suramala is presiding over the proceedings.

Suramala has granted standing at the inquest to lawyers representing Anguilianuk’s family, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as well as the Government of Nunavut.

The coroner’s office is asking anyone who would like to participate in the inquest to contact the office at (867) 975-6318.