The trial of Manu Lefatia accused of leaving his cell at the Territorial Correctional Facility and shooting a man in Leone in August of last year, has been delayed till December because two doctors whom the government says are crucial to their case will not be on island.
At a status hearing on Wednesday Assistant Attorney General Christy Dunne requested a continuance saying that two doctors whose testimony are integral to their case will be off island during the time that the trial was scheduled for next month.
The doctors are a surgeon and a physician who treated the victim of the shooting.
When an August trial date was suggested the prosecutor said one of the doctors was going to be on leave and wont be back until later.
Defense Attorney Marcellus Tala Uiagalelei did not oppose the motion saying the defense is ready for trial at anytime.
The new trial date for Lefatia is December 2 and another status hearing will be held a few weeks before trial to firm up everything for the case.
The Chief Justice told the attorneys he doesn’t want a last minute please agreement.
Lefatia who is serving time for the shooting of the DPS Leone Substation in 2015 is alleged to have shot Sopi Siagigi at his home in Leone last August.
It’s alleged that he also shot at Siagigi’s younger brother.
He is charged with first degree attempted murder, two counts of first degree assault, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, escape from condiment and possession of a prohibited weapon.
