Murder Defendants Acquitted in Samoa

jeremiah-tauiliili

Two men accused of murder in the death of Jeremiah Malaki Tauiliili in a December 2018 incident at a local bar have been acquitted by the Samoa Supreme Court.

Herman Westerlund and Suapaina Savaiinaea had pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder.

Supreme Court Justice Mata Keli Tuatagaloa delivered the verdict in a crowded courtroom on Wednesday.

Justice Tuatagaloa said there was too much uncertainty in the cause of death.

“The issue of causation raised as a defense succeeds,” she said. “Both defendants are acquitted of the charges of murder and manslaughter. The charges are accordingly dismissed.”

The senior Supreme Court Justice said she was not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the punch delivered by Westerlund or the kick from Savaiinaea caused severe head injury to Jeremiah.

Westerlund was represented by Queens Counsel Aaron Perkins and lawyer Muriel Lui and Suapaina was represented by lawyers Leiataua Jerry Brunt and Elizabeth Chan Tung-Peters.

The case was prosecuted by Silupevaelei Rexona Titi of the Attorney General’s Office.

Photo: Jeremiah Malaki Tauiliili

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