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Samoa Weekly Police Report — homicides, 1 severe traffic accident

joyetter@samoanews.com

Apia, SAMOA — Samoa’s Ministry of Police is currently investigated three homicide cases and one severe traffic accident, according to the weekly Police Press Conference , with their Spokesperson, Su’a LeMamea Tiumalu saying that deaths seem to increase by the month.

He said two men from Aele were in a drinking session and it was during their party that they fought. The 28-year old man used a rock to strike the 41-year old drinking partner, who in turn fetched a machete and assaulted his drinking partner, by cutting his face. The man suffered severe injuries to his face and was hospitalized for three days, but died due to the severity of the wounds. Su’a confirmed that the 41-year old man has since been arrested and charged with first degree murder and will make his initial appearance in court on October 30, 2016. He said that despite public awareness regarding drinking responsibly, it appears that its fallen on deaf ears as majority of the homicide cases usually evolve around those who are overly intoxicated.

Another homicide case is a 40-year old man was found in Moamoa and his body was decomposed. Residents of Moamoa came across the body after a foul odor lead to where his body was found. Su’a stated that there are signs of foul play as there are injuries to the man’s body and they will request an autopsy to determine the cause of death. He said the man is from Faleula and was a resident of the Catholic Shelter in Moamoa, as he was mentally challenged.

Su’a identified the 3rd death case they are currently investigating is of a young man who was found hanging from a rope near his residence. Su’a said that a post mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death, although witnesses say he was hanging from a rope. He noted the deceased is 15-year old boy. According to Su’a, information from his family indicates his mother scolded him for being disobedient. However investigating officers told Samoa News the young man broke into a residence nearby and removed bottles of liquor and that’s what led to the scolding.

In a deadly vehicle accident, Su’a said a 25-year old man lost his life when he was unable to drive his vehicle as he was heavily intoxicated and he ran into a fence. As a result he passed away due to the severity of the injuries. According to police the young man lost his head from the accident.

Of the mystery man found floating in Levi Sale’imoa last week. Su’a said that since the publication and announcements, there were families who have came forward, however not one family has any info on this man. He said that efforts and correspondence to neighboring islands, such as American Samoa, Tuvalu and Tonga have not yet been answered. Su’a continues to seek assistance from the public noting that the deceased man has a tattoo on his left arm with a flower and the word “warrior.”

According to Su’a an autopsy will be performed on the body soon and the police will go from there. In the meantime, Su’a said that after the autopsy, they will wait for the coroner’s report and from there the government will act accordingly with law and they will lay the body to rest, if no one comes forward to claim the body. He said they have also reached out to the fishermen if anyone knows of this man, but there seems to be no one coming forward.