Preliminary hearing opens for Resolute Bay man charged with murder

A preliminary hearing for a Resolute Bay man charged with first-degree murder, assault and indignity to human remains started Monday in Iqaluit.

RCMP arrested Babah Kalluk, who was 44 years old at the time, on Nov. 23, 2024, after discovering the body of a woman at a home in Resolute Bay. The woman was identified as Kalluk’s mother, Zipporah Kalluk.

Babah Kalluk, who has been in custody since his arrest, appeared in court for the hearing. About a dozen family members also attended.

Kalluk, with short hair and wearing a grey suit and black flip-flops, cried throughout the proceedings, as did the family members seated in the gallery. Court sheriffs brought out a large black bucket for tear-stained tissues.

Preliminary hearings are held to determine whether evidence supports the case proceeding to a trial. Details of evidence presented at the hearing are protected under a court-ordered publication ban.

The proceedings are scheduled to continue until Thursday.

Zipporah Kalluk’s death devastated Resolute Bay, the community of just under 200 residents. Her family called the lack of mental health care a “scourge” on Nunavut communities that contributed to her death.

A first-degree murder conviction carries a mandatory life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years.