Kugaaruk man in Nunavut court on 2008 murder charge

Bruce Kayaitok, a Kugaaruk man charged with one count of second-degree murder in relation to the death of his common-law spouse, Belinda Tootiak, 30, in June of 2008, made an appearance at the Nunavut Court of Justice in Iqaluit Sept. 10.

The appearance was for a voir dire, a special hearing held to decide if certain evidence should be admitted at a trial.

Kayaitok, 36, wore a blue sweat suit and appeared remorseful throughout the proceeding, furrowing his brow and frowning.

On Oct. 19, Justice Earl Johnson will hear final arguments in the voir dire from defence lawyer Malcolm Kempt and Crown prosecutor Amy Porteous.

After that, a trial could be held in February or March of 2013.

Kayaitok was arrested for second-degree murder in the early morning of June 13, 2008.

RCMP were called to Kugaaruk’s community health centre, where they found Tootiak suffering from serious injuries. She later died.

Evidence presented at voir dire hearings may not be published or broadcast.