Two Montreal brothers from Kangiqsujuaq in Nunavik have been spared prison time following a disturbing incident where they kept the body of a 41-year-old Inuk woman, Alasie Tukkiapik, in their apartment for six months.
Francesco Sansalone has been sentenced to 10 months of community detention for the crime of committing an indignity to Tukkiapik’s body. On the other hand, his brother, Nicodemo, has been placed on three years of probation, along with 50 hours of community service, and given credit for the 70 days he has already served in custody.
During the court proceedings, Quebec judge Pierre Labelle took into account Sansalone’s mental health issues as a contributing factor to the crime. Tukkiapik, who was reported missing by her family in September 2023, had been residing in Montreal before her tragic death.
The brothers admitted to not reporting Tukkiapik’s passing out of fear of reprisal from her family, as revealed in the court documents. It was disclosed that Sansalone and Tukkiapik were in a relationship, and she had been unwell before her demise.
Authorities discovered Tukkiapik’s body in the brothers’ apartment after her family’s efforts to contact her went unanswered. A subsequent police investigation led to Nicodemo’s arrest when the deceased woman was found on a couch in the residence.
Despite an autopsy failing to determine the exact cause of Tukkiapik’s death or any significant injuries, the case highlights a tragic and perplexing series of events involving the Montreal brothers and the deceased Inuk woman.
