In a chilling and tragic case, Francesco Sansalone, 63, and his brother Nicodemo Sansalone, 61, have pleaded guilty to charges related to the mummified remains of Alasie Tukkiapik, 41, who was reported missing in March 2023. The gruesome discovery was made when police visited the brothers’ home in September 2023, months after Tukkiapik had died.
The Disappearance and Discovery
Tukkiapik was reported missing in March 2023 and was last known to be dating Francesco Sansalone. Despite numerous inquiries from concerned individuals, the Sansalone brothers refused to allow anyone into their home, where Tukkiapik’s body remained hidden.
It wasn’t until September 18, 2023, that police were able to make a breakthrough. While conducting a routine check in the neighborhood, Nicodemo Sansalone approached officers and, in a shocking admission, said, “She is there on the couch.
She [has been] laying on the couch for the last six months.” When officers entered the home, they were immediately struck by the strong odor of decay and noted the house was in unsanitary conditions.
Upon further investigation, officers found a human silhouette on the couch under a blanket, with feet sticking out. Upon lifting the blanket, they discovered Tukkiapik’s mummified body. This discovery came months after her death.
The Brothers’ Explanation
During questioning, Nicodemo Sansalone explained that his brother, Francesco, had not wanted to notify authorities about Tukkiapik’s death, and Francesco had run away a few weeks prior. Nicodemo reportedly said, “I should have called to let you guys know. But my brother Frank didn’t want me to call you and he ran away a few weeks ago. He left me alone with her.”
Nicodemo also provided the date of Tukkiapik’s death, February 12, 2023. As he was arrested, he expressed regret, stating, “I wish I could go back in time.”
The Circumstances of Tukkiapik’s Death
According to prosecutor Simon Lapierre, Francesco Sansalone had been in a long-term relationship with Tukkiapik and had noticed a troubling medical issue. While staying at a motel, Tukkiapik reportedly began bleeding from her buttocks, but Francesco attributed it to stress.
When the couple returned to the Sansalone home, Tukkiapik’s condition worsened, but she refused medical attention. She eventually passed away at the house.
Prosecutors stated that after her death, the brothers moved Tukkiapik’s body to the living room couch, where it remained for the next six months. In an attempt to mask the decaying smell, the brothers reportedly used air fresheners.
The Autopsy and Legal Outcome
The autopsy on Tukkiapik’s remains could not determine an exact cause of death due to the advanced mummification of the body. However, there were no signs of trauma or substances that could be linked to her death.
After months of investigation and delay, both brothers eventually pleaded guilty to charges of indignity to a human body and neglecting to inform authorities of Tukkiapik’s death.
The legal outcome has brought some closure to the case, but the community remains shocked by the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death and the brothers’ actions.
A Grieving Family Left to Mourn
Tukkiapik’s death and the subsequent mishandling of her body have left her family devastated. The authorities are continuing to process the case, while Tukkiapik’s relatives are left to grieve the loss of their loved one under tragic and horrific circumstances.