Tommy Anguilianuk inquest called 3 years after death in RCMP custody

Three years after Tommy Anguilianuk died in RCMP custody in Hall Beach, Nunavut, the territory's coroner has announced a mandatory inquest.

Anguilianuk was taken into police custody on Jan. 20, 2013 and died the following day.

Nunavut's Chief Coroner Padma Suramala could not release details of the cause or manner of Anguilianuk's death, but wrote in a newsrelease that he had"absconded (escaped)from holding cells."

The inquest will be held in Anguilianuk's home community of Hall Beach May 2-6. Any Nunavummiut who would like to make a presentation at the inquest should contact the coroner's office at 867-975-6318.

Under theNunavutCoroners Act, the coroner must call for an inquest when an individual dies while in police custody.

This is the second mandatory inquest announced in Nunavut so far this year. An inquest into the death of Felix Taqqaugaq, who was shot by police in Igloolik onMarch 20,2012, will be held in that community Nov. 1-10.