Iqalungmiut live in fear as murder investigation continues

KIRSTEN MURPHY

The absence of a suspect in the Dec. 6 murder of Jennifer Naglingniq does not bode well with Iqalungmuit who feel their safety is at risk despite police assurances to the contrary.

“I feel like the police are not even trying. Surely, there must have been someone who saw a person go over to her house that night,” said Annie Lucassie, 16, who had known Naglingniq since elementary school.

“I know girls who are staying home because they’re afraid.”

Naglingniq was found dead just after midnight more than two months ago. Police refuse to say how the Inuksuk High School student died, only that the killing was “brutal.”

Allison Brewer lives 10 doors down from the crime scene, just off the road to Apex.

The mother of three teenagers is now vigilant about keeping her doors locked.

“The proximity to the crime scene was extremely upsetting — the police vehicles and police tape were a constant reminder every time you left the house that something horrible had happened just up the street,” Brewer said.

Brewer considered moving her 14-year-old daughter south after the murder, but she changed her mind, saying crime exists in every Canadian city.

Commanding officer John Henderson, the highest-ranking officer in RCMP V division, provided a frank but vague murder investigation update on Feb. 3.

For parents like Brewer who felt alienated by the police’s silence, Henderson’s comments are just a start.

“It was good but it wasn’t quite enough. It’s not enough to say don’t worry, your children are safe here, without saying why,” Brewer said.

A 24-year old male was charged with first-degree murder on Dec. 19. The charge was stayed five days later due to a lack of evidence.

Police are no closer to laying another charge.

Mary Papatsie, 17, said she continues to look over her shoulder at night. “I’ve thought of leaving town, back home to Pond Inlet where it’s safer,” she said.

The community-wide frustration at the absence of a suspect is not limited to girls or women.

“Boys are angry. It’s a protective thing. A lot of these boys were friends with Jennifer and they don’t want anyone else to have to go through this,” said Amy Elgersma, youth coordinator for the City of Iqaluit’s Makkuttukkuvik youth centre.

Elgersma is planning a self-defence course for girls.

“Because of rumours [she was sexually assaulted], their personal safety is a concern for them. People are wondering is this going to happen again? Is it going to be another unsolved murder?” she said.

“How can people feel completely safe when this person has not been caught?”