Men charged identified

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 08 December 2018, 12:00AM

 

The Deputy Registrar of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration, Ve'atauia Fa'atasi Puleiata, has identified the three men charged in connection to the Police investigation into the death of Jeremiah Malaki Tauili’ili.

Responding to questions from the Sunday Samoan yesterday, Ve'atauia said Robert Ash is facing an assault charge while Suapaina Savai’inaea and Herman Westerlund have been charged with manslaughter. 

The men were detained by Police on Friday night.

“Herman and Suapaina are scheduled to appear for criminal mention on 17 December while Robert will appear in Court on Tuesday 18 December,” said the Deputy Registrar.

He also confirmed that Mr. Ash has been released from custody to await his hearing while Mr. Westerlund and Mr. Savai’inaea are being kept in custody until theirs.

Asked why Mr. Ash has been released, Ve'atauia said the decision depends on the seriousness of the charge. 

“There is a different element in the charges and that is why Ash was released while the other two are still in custody,” he said. 

“Rob is facing assault, if he was charged with being party to manslaughter, I would not have granted his release. But he’s facing assault hence his case is before the District Court on the 18 December 2018." 

“He was released merely because his case is assault. Again the other men are facing different charges.”

Mr. Tauiliili, a 24-year-old Civil Engineer who was working at the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, died at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital on Wednesday, following an incident at the Marina last Friday night.

The Police continue to urge members of the public to come forward with any information that could be relevant to their investigation. 

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 08 December 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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