On September 29, 2025, the Whale Cove RCMP responded to a house fire in the 200 block of the community. One person was pulled from the home but sadly later died from their injuries.
The fire was quickly deemed suspicious, prompting an investigation by the Nunavut RCMP’s Major Crime Unit, with support from the Nunavut Fire Marshal’s Office and the Coroner’s Office. Investigators concluded that the blaze had been deliberately set.
As a result of the investigation, 36-year-old Roberta Etigaitok was arrested and charged in connection with the incident. The victim has been identified as 37-year-old Jonathan Ekwalak.
Etigaitok now faces two serious charges:
- Second-degree murder under Section 235(1) of the Criminal Code
- Arson with disregard for human life under Section 433(a) of the Criminal Code
She has been remanded into custody, with her next court appearance scheduled for October 21, 2025, in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
Authorities have not released further details at this time as the investigation remains ongoing.