Hall Beach man accused of witness tampering

A Hall Beach man accused of murdering a woman in his community will appear in court today on several charges, including alleged attempts to convince potential witnesses to lie to the court.

Silas Ammaklak, 36, is scheduled to appear in Iqaluit to discuss whether there will be a preliminary inquiry into the charges.

Ammaklak is accused of beating and killing Susan Nattar in Hall Beach more than a year ago. She was rushed to Ottawa for medical treatment, but died five days later, on Sept. 21, 2003.

Police charged Ammaklak with aggravated assault, and later, second-degree murder.

Investigators have also accused Ammaklak of two counts of obstructing justice. According to court documents, police believe he asked Karen and Simeonie Nattuk to provide false testimony.

The court attempted to hold a preliminary inquiry in March 2004, but adjourned at the request of Ammaklak’s defence counsel.