A family in Vaitogi has confirmed with Samoa News that the body that was found in Vaitogi is that of their father, Soli La’apui who has been missing for over a week.

Last week, Samoa News was contacted by the a member of the La’apui family who sought the public’s assistance in the search for their father, 63 year-old Soli La’apui from Vaitogi. Samoa News understands that the body police found was on the premises of the La’apui family land.

Soli’s daughter, Cassandra La’apui told Samoa News that her father, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia, went missing two Fridays ago. At the time it was first reported to Samoa News, Ms. La’apui said family members had reported their dad was at home during breakfast, however it was during lunch when they realized he had left the house.

“He does this often — where he leaves the house, but he always returns home, or someone will pick him up at the market, the usual place he hangs out,” Cassandra explained.

She had also posted the photo of her father on her Facebook page, along with a message for anyone who has information about her father — to please contact the police station.

Meanwhile the detectives with the criminal investigation division are investigating this matter since they discovered the body on Friday in Vaitogi. Commander of the CID, Lavata’i Taase Sagapolutele has confirmed about the death case they are working on, however he declined to comment on the details surrounding this case. 

Samoa News understands that when the body was discovered Friday morning, it had already started to decompose.

Samoa News inquired if there were any signs of foul play, however the CID Commander declined to comment and said the investigation is underway and they won’t determine anything regarding this case until the investigation is completed.