Montreal Brothers Avoid Prison Time in Case of Inuk Woman’s Remains

Two Montreal brothers have avoided prison time after keeping the body of 41-year-classic Alasie Tukkiapik, an Inuk woman from Kangiqsujuaq in Nunavik, in their apartment for six months. The case has sparked outrage and raised questions about the justice system’s response to cases involving Indigenous women.

Sentencing Details

Francesco Sansalone was sentenced to 10 months of detention to be served in the community on Monday, February 16, 2026, after pleading guilty to committing an indignity to a body . His brother, Nicodemo Sansalone, received three years of probation, 50 hours of community service, and credit for 70 days already served in custody .

Circumstances of the Case

Alasie Tukkiapik died at the home of the two brothers in February 2023. The brothers did not contact authorities after her death . Tukkiapik and Francesco Sansalone had been in a relationship for ten years, and she had been ill prior to her death .

Tukkiapik’s family reported her missing in September 2023 after being unable to reach her for several months while she was living in Montreal . When police visited the Sansalones’ home, they found Tukkiapik’s body on a couch .

Judge’s Remarks and Contributing Factors

Quebec court judge Pierre Labelle stated that Francesco Sansalone’s mental health issues were a contributing factor in the crime . A pre-sentencing report indicated Sansalone may have an undiagnosed mental health problem, possibly schizophrenia .

Family’s Reaction

Laura Aguilar, a spokesperson for Tukkiapik’s family and a researcher at the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability, expressed concerns about the leniency of the sentences, stating the decision showed “how little our justice system thinks women matter” .

Cause of Death

A pathologist was unable to determine the cause of Tukkiapik’s death, but the autopsy did not reveal evidence of fracture or significant traumatic injuries .