Samoa’s biggest commercial taro plantation owner, Peter Tulaga, has been found guilty of attempted murder of his girlfriend.
After a six day trial in which the public, including media, were not allowed to hear the victim’s testimony, a panel of five assessors found the planter guilty of attempted murder.
The presiding judge Tafaimalo Tuala Warren also found the defendant guilt of being armed with a dangerous weapon and possession of an unregistered fire arm.
According to TV1 Samoa, the court heard from witnesses that included the victim, Police Officers and the Police Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil.
Expert medical staff in Samoa and New Zealand and a forensic specialist also gave testimonies, with the defendant as the final witness called by the defense team.
The court heard that the victim had gone to Tulaga’s home and there was an argument over suspicions of infidelity.
The defendant claimed that the victim shot herself after he told her that he was ending their relationship.
Tulaga was remanded in custody until sentencing on June 28.
Photo: Talamua Media
