Police are investigating the September 27 death of Michael Shields after the man attempted to commit suicide in a Kativik Regional Police holding cell on September 14.
Because Shields died of an attempted suicide while in police custody, Quebec law requires that a probe be made into the case by an outside police force. The Sûreté du Québec is in charge of the investigation and has since visited Kuujjuaraapik in relation to the matter, shortly after Shield’s death.
According to Nunatsiaq Online news, it is expected that the SQ will possibly recommend that charges be laid against some individuals.
The Quebec coroner’s office is also expected to make recommendation on the case to possibly prevent a situation like this from repeating itself.
A funeral was held for Shields, who was the manager of the Kuujjuaraapik Airport, at St. Edmund’s Anglican Church in Kuujjaraapik/ Whapmagoostui on October 4.
Kevin Hatt, a longtime friend of Shields who eulogized Shields at the service, made reference to the fact that had drugs and alcohol abuse not been a factor for Shields, his friend would likely still be alive.
