Ray Taparti Jr. of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut was killed in July 2017.
A suspect has been charged in the case of a missing and murdered Indigenous boy from Nunavut.
RCMP say 21-year-old Glen Kadlak Jr. of Rankin Inlet, NU., was arrested in Iqaluit on Saturday and charged with one count of murder in the death of Ray Taparti Jr.
Taparti – also known as O.J. – was 12 when he disappeared for five days in Rankin Inlet, NU., and was found dead.
His body was discovered in an industrial part of the community on July 8, 2017.
“The loss of Ray Taparti Jr. in July of 2017 had a devastating impact on his family and the community of Rankin Inlet,” Nunavut’s Justice Minister Jeannie Ehaloak said in a news release.
“Now that charges have been laid, the community can work on moving forward.”
RCMP said it was the biggest investigation the Nunavut or V Division major crime unit had ever done.
RCMP Insp. Ryan Mitchell said they conducted more than 75 interviews that involved 15 different agencies and departments.
“I would like to express my condolences to the family and the people of Rankin Inlet,” Mitchell said in a news release.
“Our thoughts have been with you since the onset of this file in early July 2017, and it doesn’t end here tonight with this milestone being reached. We will continue to support you through the prosecution of this matter and obtaining justice for O.J.”
The Taparti family issued its own statement share by police: “We are relieved to hear someone is in custody tonight. We ask now for privacy as we heal.”
Police said the victim and accused were believed to be “casual acquaintances.”
They didn’t release further details or clarify whether Kadlak is charged with first- or second- degree murder.
We are sorry too for the loss of Ray. Please accept my wish for closure and restoring of justice for all children in Canada. From your friends in BC
We are sorry too for the loss of Ray. Please accept my wish for closure and restoring of justice for all children in Canada. From your friends in BC
My sincere condolences to the family and community. I feel devastated reading this story. This beautiful boys murder has far reaching affects throughout the country, every where our people live. His family will never know what he could have been the promise is silenced. God bless the family.
My sincere condolences to the family and community. I feel devastated reading this story. This beautiful boys murder has far reaching affects throughout the country, every where our people live. His family will never know what he could have been the promise is silenced. God bless the family.