(Iqaluit RCMP discovered three bodies in this house Tuesday after finding a man dead from a self-inflicted shotgun blast in a cemetery. APTN/Photo)
By Kent Driscoll
APTN National News
IQALUIT-Iqaluit residents are reeling after RCMP discovered four bodies Tuesday, triggering the cancellation of classes at the local elementary school, according to the city’s mayor.
Iqaluit Mayor Madeleine Redfern said residents were “shaken” by the discovery of one body in the cemetery and three more in a home.
“This has really shaken our community,” said Redfern, in a statement. “We need to come together and help each other pull through this.
Police said the first body found in the cemetery was of a man who appeared to have been killed by a self-inflicted shotgun blast to the face.
Three other bodies were later discovered in his home by police.
Four people lived in the home, including a common-law couple and their young daughters, a toddler and a student at Joamie Elementary School.
APTN National News has chosen not to publish the identities of the victims, which are known. The RCMP said officers are still trying to reach all next-of-kin.
RCMP officer were seen canvassing the neighbourhood near the residence Tuesday night.
People living near the cemetery reported an unoccupied truck at in the early afternoon which was eventually shut off by a local resident at about 3 p.m.
Redfern said the news of the deaths left residents in “shock” and disbelief.
Redfern said she would be seeking to get crisis intervention to deal with the trauma that has impacted many people.
“Many people, including family and friends of the victims, emergency responders and community members need immediate counselling,” said Redfern. “At the same time this territory must work together to end the root causes of our problems.”
