“This murder is going to be solved,” RCMP says

KIRSTEN MURPHY

The unsolved murder of Jennifer Naglingniq should not raise concerns about public safety, said John Henderson, RCMP chief superintendent and V Division’s commanding officer, during a media briefing on Monday.

Naglingniq, 13, was found murdered in her Iqaluit home near the Apex Quick Stop on Dec. 6, 2002. Two months later, no suspects are in custody.

“[We are] well aware of the recent concerns voiced in the community that the killer will strike again. If there is one message you take away today, it is simply that you’re safe in your homes,” Henderson said.

“Based on what I know of what happened, I can safely say this [murder] was an anomaly. There is nothing to suggest this crime was related to previous unfortunate murders or that there is any indication of a pattern. This investigation is the single most important investigation for the RCMP in Nunavut at this time.”

Henderson would not provide details about the killing, other than to say it was “brutal.” He would not disclose how the popular Inuksuk High School student died.

However, Iqaluit’s rumour mill, including a local Internet chat site, have offered several graphic but unsubstantiated theories.

The RCMP is monitoring such gossip, Henderson said.

“We are the experts here. People can certainly share their opinions. If there are pieces of useful information, we’ll have a look at it and put it to good purpose. I know the facts, I know what’s going on with this investigation and this murder is going to be solved,” Henderson said.

Eleven officers are working on the case. Several hundred family members, fellow students and friends have provided statements to police.

A first-degree murder charge was laid and dropped against a 24-year-old Iqaluit man in late December. The crown stayed the proceedings after additional information was brought forward.

Henderson said DNA evidence is part of the investigation. But he would not confirm that DNA evidence was used to exclude the man.

Residents with information about Naglingniq’s murder are asked to contact the police.

“Perhaps there are people out there who know what happened. The RCMP never has and never will solve a crime without the support of the community,” Henderson said.

Inuktitut-speaking residents are encouraged to contact officers Jimmy Akavak or Lew Philip, or any other officer they feel comfortable talking to.

Henderson described the investigation as “slow, prodding police work.” He said months, even a year, might pass before further charges are laid.

Henderson, was appointed as commanding officer a month after Naglingniq’s death. He said he regrets that a public statement about the investigation was not issued earlier.

“If we had to do this over again, in my humble opinion, it would have been done sooner. [The delay] was perhaps a mistake. We learn from our mistakes and we’re trying to make amends for that now. This investigation will not be put on the back burner. This is a tragic death and Jennifer will not be forgotten.”

Henderson said public concern about any unsolved murder, especially in a small town, is understandable.

“It’s different than in Winnipeg or Toronto where people read headlines and there are no personal links to the victims. Most people here probably knew Jennifer or knew one of her friends.”