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Death discovered over weekend possible homicide

The Criminal Investigation Division with the Department of Public Safety is investigating the death of a 56-year old Chinese man in Satala over the weekend.

The Commander of the CID Captain Lavata’i Ta’ase Sagapolutele confirmed with Samoa News that they are investigating the death and are treating it as a homicide, unless it’s proven otherwise.

The CID Commander declined to give further details surrounding the investigation.

The Chinese man was found dead in his residence early Sunday morning by the landlord, Tiana Tamaseu, who lives behind the house and store the man was renting. She said the man did have health problems. Tamaseu was present when police detectives were at the scene.

She told Samoa News that the deceased’s vehicle had not moved since Friday.

Samoa News was told on the scene that the landlord of the residence and store came to pick up the rent from the Chinese man on Thursday, Friday and Saturday — knocking on the door but no one answered. She returned early Sunday morning and knocked, only this time when no one answered she contacted police, who arrived to find the Chinese man dead on his bed.

Samoa News visited the scene while the police detectives were gathering evidence. A strong foul odor was coming from the inside the man’s residence and place of business.

Police have yet to identify the victim, and are attempting to locate his relatives on island.

Tamaseu told Samoa News she moved to Satala in 1982 and the man’s family was already living there. She said her parents have moved off island and left the business to the deceased.

She said the man has two children, who currently reside in the United States.