Despite all the fine words and great testimonies presented in court this morning for murder defendant, Siaumau Siaumau Jr., the court sent him to jail for life for the murder of detective Liusila Brown five years ago.
Siaumau was also handed two ten year sentences for the attempted murder of two other police officers.
The sentences are to be served concurrently.
Siaumau has spent five years in pre trial confinement and last month pled guilty to second degree murder and tow counts of first degree assault in a plea deal with the government.
The courtroom was packed with the defendant’s parents, uncles, siblings, extended family, village leaders and church pastors, with several giving testimony on Siaumau’s behalf.
Fagamalama Liufau Fualaau an aunt of Lt. Brown’s wife said her niece who passed away the day Siaumau was to go on trial has already forgiven the defendant and his family in the traditional ceremony of reconciliation or ifoga.
Also present were several relatives of the slain police detective Lt. Brown, including his oldest brother and daughter, who said they have forgiven the defendant.
Faleniu’s church minister Lino Schwenke and Nu’uuli’s Seventh Day Adventist Pastor Pa’u Tuavela told the court that Siaumau is a changed man and he wants to do the work of the lrd.
The pastors who have observed the defendant while their ministering to the prison vouched for Siaumau’s true remorse for the crime he committed.
Both responded yes when questioned the prosecutor asked whether they believe violators of God’s laws and man’s laws should be punished.
Siaumau also apologized to many people whom he felt he aggrieved, and begged for forgiveness.
As to his crime, he said only God knows what really happened.
The defendant quoted from Romans 13 about submission to governance as all authorities are of God.
Then he told the judges he will accept whatever judgment and sentence they will render.
However, he tearfully begged the judges for a chance to take care of his father who has been diagnosed with cancer.
Prosecutor Deputy Attorney General, also shed tears upon hearing the emotional character testimonials for the defendant.
She acknowledged her respect for all the chiefs and church ministers who testified for Siaumau and begged the court to forgive him.
Jessop Taase said the beauty of the Samoan culture is that “we look out for each other” despite our circumstances.
However, she said it was her duty and responsibility to bring justice and to prosecute all matters according to the law.
The prosecutor said mercy cannot bring justice and no apology however sincere they may be can not undo the emotional and physical damages the defendant has inflicted upon everyone who has been affected by the crime he committed.
