The preliminary hearing for two people accused of murder in Inuvik, N.W.T., has been adjourned until next month.
Annabelle Edwards and Felicia Elanik were each charged last month with second degree murder and performing an indignity to human remains, in connection with the death of a 39-year-old man in Inuvik on Aug. 24.
The deceased man, according to his family, was Ronald Phillip “Iyak” Binder Jr.
Richard Binder, the alleged victim’s uncle, said that Binder Jr.’s body was found behind a building in Inuvik. He says what happened to his nephew is deeply unfortunate, and that the community is offering support to Binder Jr.’s mother.
“A lot of the community members provided food for her so that she doesn’t have to worry right now,” Richard Binder said.
He cried as he described his nephew, saying Binder Jr. was “a very quiet young fella, always courteous… always called me uncle.”
Crown prosecutor Stephen Straub says both the Crown and the defence are waiting for RCMP’s preliminary evidence, which he expects to receive before the next court date on Oct. 1.
Straub says the two people accused are currently in Fort Smith Correctional Centre and had their first court appearance virtually on Sept. 3.