WARNING: This story contains disturbing details.
Nunavimmiut are experiencing a double tragedy in the village of Puvirnituk, which police say is being investigated as a murder and suicide.
Patrice Abel, director of investigations for the Nunavik Police Service (NPS), said the 54-year-old woman and her 57-year-old husband were found dead on January 5 in the home.
Abel said the couple's daughter and son told police they went to their parents' house that day because they hadn't heard from them for several days. That's when they found their mother dead and their father holding a rifle.
“The son tried to negotiate with him, and he [was] capable of simply snatching the rifle out of his hands,” Abel said.
After that, he said, the daughter and son went to the neighbors to call the police and remained there until the police arrived.
When police arrived on the scene, Abel said they found the man dead with another firearm nearby. Police have not released the family's name.
Puvirnituka Mayor Lucy Kalingo says the deaths have shocked the community.
“We are going through a very difficult time. It has been overwhelming, but thanks to the support [of] each other, we will get through this,” she said.
Kalingo says residents have rallied around the family and there are plans for elders from healing groups in other communities to provide support to Puvirnituku.
She also encourages people to continue helping each other live healthier lives.
“I know we go through a lot, especially generational trauma, but we need to strive for healthier living and healing,” she said.
Since the case is being classified as a homicide, the investigation has been entrusted to the provincial police service Sûreté du Québec.
If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to get help:
This guide is from Center for Addiction and Mental Health describes how to talk about suicide with someone you're worried about.
