Nunavik man charged with manslaughter in death of Kangirsuk woman

(Updated on Friday, Feb. 15)

A community along Nunavik’s Ungava coast is mourning the loss of a woman who was killed on Tuesday evening.

Mary Joanna Mucco, 35, was discovered lifeless in a Kangirsuk home on Feb. 12 at around 8:30 p.m.

Community members say the woman was shot to death by her spouse, who, after the shooting, attempted to take his own life.

On Feb. 14, Willie Jr. Thomassie, 39, was charged with manslaughter and negligence causing death in connection with Mucco’s death.

Thomassie is reportedly recovering from his injuries in hospital, but will be transferred to Amos where he is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 25.

Quebec’s provincial police, the Sûreté du Québec, continue to investigate the death.

Mucco was a well-known community member, mother and a McGill University–educated teacher, who taught kindergarten at Kangirsuk’s Sautjuit school.

Sautjuit school was closed this week, while the school board, Kativik Ilisarniliriniq, brings in resources from neighbouring communities and partner organizations to support students and staff. The school will be used as a place for community members to gather and grieve.

Montreal-based relatives of the family have also set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to travel to Kangirsuk to be with the family.

Mucco’s death comes just days after another Nunavik woman died on Feb. 9.

Susie Assevak, 27, was found dead in a home in Kangiqsualujjuaq last Saturday afternoon.

The Kativik Regional Police Force turned that investigation over to the SQ. Police have not made any arrests, but they are calling the woman’s death suspicious.