Murder charge stayed against spouse of Iqaluit woman

An Iqaluit man accused Monday of second-degree murder in his spouse's death was a free man that evening, after the charge against him was stayed.

On Monday morning, RCMP charged Amos Ootoova, 46, with second-degree murder in the death of his wife.

Della Ootoova, also 46, was pronounced dead on Saturday after she was found early that morning on the floor of an Iqaluit residence.

But early Monday evening, Nunavut RCMP issued a brief written statement, saying that after consultation with the prosecution and the attending pathologist, the charges against Amos Ootoova had been stayed.

Ootoova was released from custody shortly thereafter.

An Iqaluit defence lawyer said Ootoova left the local courthouse with "only the desire to grieve in peace with his family."

RCMP continue to investigate Della Ootoova's death.