The Samoa District Court has adjourned the closing submissions in the high-profile case against Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt and five co-defendants to allow all necessary documents to be filed.
The Samoa Observer reports that presiding Judge Talasa Atoa Saaga was informed that not all documents regarding the closing submissions had been filed.
She then ordered all parties to submit their copies by November 14 and set the dates for the closing submissions on November 24-25.
The six defendants are Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa, former member of parliament Fepuleai Faimata Su’a, former police officer Li’o Faataumalama Auava, Lise Schmidt, Samuelu Su’a, and Sivai Kepi.
They face charges that include fabricating evidence, conspiracy to commit an offence, harassment using electronic devices, and defamation.
The case stems from a fatal hit-and-run in Vaitele in April 2021 that killed university student Tu’uau Faasavalu.
The trial began in late May and concluded in June 2025.
Final submissions had been scheduled for September but were delayed because the prosecution did not file all the documents.
Judge Saaga has yet to rule on the defense request for a “no case to answer” decision, after a key police witness changed her statement.
