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WARNING

Kerry Ellie Pooyatak Hakitak Takkiruq, 19, was found dead on March 31st, 2011.

Police have suspended their investigation.

At about 12:45 p.m., March 31st, staff of the city-owned Riverside Golf Course, 8630 Rowland Road, were preparing the grounds near the 18th hole when they came across a dead body.

Police were called to the area, not normally accessible by vehicle, and thought the death suspicious – which automatically dictated the involvement of homicide detectives.

An autopsy was performed the next day but cause of death remained undetermined, pending results of toxicology tests that could weeks to months.

Investigators also didn't know who the woman was or how long she may have been on the golf course.

On April 7th, police requested the public's assistance in identifying the woman and issued a description and photographs of clothing she was wearing.

The woman was thought to be in her 20s, of Aboriginal or possibly Inuit heritage, and that there were indications she was not homeless ... or so they thought.

Within a week, tips led police to identifying the woman as 19-year-old Kerry Takkiruq.

Investigators said Takkiruq was living in Edmonton after moving from Gjoa Haven, Nunavut.

News of her death spread quickly through Canada's northern communities in advance of the official police announcement through Facebook, the popular social networking website.

Many expressed shock and grief for the young woman they called "Bunn."

A cousin said Takkiruq moved to Edmonton with her mother and younger brothers a few years ago after her father died (he had committed suicide).

Bunn then attended Jasper Place High School but the adjustment to city life was difficult – read more »

Kerry Takkiruq's suspicious death paralled another that took place earlier in the year – read more »

Investigation suspended

On December 23rd, 2011, police said they had concluded their investigation into the death of Kerry Takkiruq.

"After reviewing the Medical Examiner’s report, this death will not be categorised as a homicide," Det. Brian Robertson said.

"Through our investigations, we were unable to determine a criminal cause related to this death. The investigation into Kerry Takkiruq's death will be classified as suspended."

The autopsy results listed Takkiruq's cause of death as undetermined.

The unusual classification of an investigation being "suspended" was unprecedented in recent memory. Perhaps it was just an unfortunate choice of wording.

Usually such cases fade from public memory, with homicide detectives eventually turning over their files over to the cold case section. This is often done without a public declaration of a case being suspended.

Given that a "criminal cause" was not found, only information from the public would prompt police to investigate further.

Those with information about Takkiruq's activities prior to her death were asked to contact Edmonton police at 780-423-4567, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or online at www.tipsubmit.com. Tips can also be text messaged.

All the information presented on this page has been compiled primarily from published media reports and should not be interpreted as having legal bearing or other prejudice against the individuals named on this web site.
The Last Link on the Left practices fair presentation and the disclosure of relevant interests.
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deadmonton 2011 - kerry takkiruq