Nunavut man charged in 1986 Iqaluit cold case

September 26, 2024
Iqaluit, Nunavut

News release

Iqaluit, Nunavut
File: 2006-84716
Date: 2024-09-26

The Nunavut RCMP Major Crimes Unit arrested Jopey Atsiqtaq in the murder of 15-year-old Mary Ann Birmingham, who was found deceased in Frobisher Bay, Northwest Territories (Iqaluit, Nunavut), on May 28, 1986.

The Nunavut RCMP Major Crimes Unit worked alongside the Public Prosecutions Services Canada's, Nunavut Regional Office to secure a Second-Degree Murder Indictment. The Indictment was signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions and Deputy Attorney General of Canada on September 19, 2024.

On September 24, 2024, RCMP members from Nunavut RCMP Major Crimes Unit arrested Mr. Atsiqtaq in Ottawa, Ontario on a Canada Wide Warrant, with the assistance of the Ottawa Police Service.

On September 25, 2024, Mr. Atsiqtaq was transported to Iqaluit, Nunavut, and appeared before the Nunavut Court of Justice. He was remanded into custody and his next court appearance is scheduled for October 29, 2024.

–30–

Contact information

For more information, contact:
Cpl. George Henrie
RCMP "V" Division Media
Iqaluit, Nunavut
Phone: (867) 975-4404
Email: VDIV_MEDIA@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Date modified: