Montreal brothers avoid prison for keeping Inuk woman’s body on couch for months
Posted February 18, 2026 8:14 am.
Last Updated February 18, 2026 10:12 am.
Two Montreal brothers have reportedly avoided prison time after keeping the body of a 41-year-old Inuk woman in their apartment for six months.
Francesco Sansalone was sentenced to 10 months of detention to be served in the community after pleading guilty to committing an indignity to the body of Alasie Tukkiapik. According to media reports, his brother, Nicodemo, received three years of probation, 50 hours of community service and credit for 70 days already served in custody.
Quebec court judge Pierre Labelle said Sansalone’s mental health issues were a contributing factor in the crime.
Tukkiapik of Kangiqsujuaq in Nunavik was reported missing by her family in September 2023 after they were unable to reach her for several months while she was living in Montreal.
The brothers reportedly didn’t report Tukkiapik’s death fearing repercussions from her family, according the statement of facts submitted to court.
Sansalone was in a relationship with Tukkiapik and she had been ill before her death.
When police went to Sansalone’s house where she had reportedly been staying, they met Nicodemo and arrested him after finding Tukkiapik on the couch.
A pathologist could not determine the woman’s cause of death, but the autopsy did not show evidence of fracture or significant traumatic injuries.
