Inukjuak man accused of murder was ordered to not contact victim

The Inukjuak man charged with first-degree murder for the death of his partner Elisabeth Qumak had been under a court order to not contact her when she was found dead inside a home in the community. 

Police found the 41-year-old woman with stab wounds on Aug. 24, after Charlie Palliser arrived at the community’s police station to report he had committed a crime. She was pronounced dead at a local health centre.

The 45-year-old already faced charges for a break and enter and assault at Qumak’s home on July 17, court documents reveal. He was released on July 22 with conditions, including that he refrain from contacting her.

The Nunavik Police Service declined to comment on what happened on July 17, saying the investigation has since been handed over to provincial police in Quebec.

When reached by Nunatsiaq News, Quebec police also declined to comment.

Palliser had also given a curfew and was expected to attend social services meetings as well as activities organized by non-profit Saqijuq at least twice a month.

According to its website, the organization provides “alternatives to incarceration” by “promoting healthy lifestyles, strengthening cultural connections, and rehabilitating individuals.” It offers activities such as hunting, fishing and camping and workshops revolving around Inuit values and traditions. 

Nunatsiaq News asked Saqijuq if Palliser took part in any of their programs but has yet to hear back.

A Montreal-based coalition of feminists against domestic violence has so far recorded 17 suspected femicides in the province since the beginning of this year.

The figure is higher than what’s commonly reported in the media because the group monitors gender-based violence in situations that exclude romantic relationships, general co-ordinator Julie Antoine said in an interview. 

“It often happens that men are under no contact orders after a separation that they ultimately end up committing a femicide. Either the crime happens when the woman announces she wants to leave him, or the crime happens happens after an order is issued,” she said.

In about half of these 17 cases, she said, the group confirmed that the accused had previously been charged with a violent crime. 

“The state is falling in its role of protecting women, and it’s evident when you see that a high percentage of individuals involved in femicide cases were already known to the justice system,” Antoine said.

Palliser’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 14.