Man faces murder charge over Satapuala killing

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 15 January 2018, 12:00AM

One of the five suspects held over the murder of a 15-year-old boy in Satapuala last week has been charged with first degree murder. 

The defendant is a 39-year-old, says Police Superintendent and Media Spokesperson, Auapa’au Filipo Logoitino. 

He also confirmed that the five defendants are charged with cultivation of narcotics. 

They were officially charged on Friday morning.  

The young boy who was brutally murdered has been identified as Uili Uili.

Auapa’au says that additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.

Uili’s family reported the young man missing last Tuesday.

The family indicated to police that he is suspected to have been a victim of a drug-related incident.

The Faleolo outpost responded to the request and found the existence of marijuana plantations and high-powered weapons.

The information, received during the preliminary investigation, led to the execution of a search warrant at Satapuala on Thursday evening and Friday morning. 

The Police have since seized the marijuana farm estimated to have a street value of more than $100,000.

Earlier reports state that the head of the 15-year-old boy was savagely bashed and he was found nearby.

“On Thursday evening, more than 20 Police vehicles with more than 30 Police officers came to our village and went directly to the area called the ‘Poloka’,” the eyewitness said.

“The Police did not find the body of the missing kid on Wednesday.

“He was found (yesterday) with severe injuries to his head and his body was decomposed. It appeared that his head was smashed by a heavy object. 

“They arrested two men that evening and confiscated a whole lot of marijuana plants. 

“This morning (Friday) another police motorcade came; more than 30 Police officers I saw were geared up and armed with shot guns,” the Satapuala man added. 

As reported earlier, Auapa’au did not wish to comment on the account given by the men from Satapuala, but confirmed that 200 marijuana plants were confiscated, some of which were six feet tall. 

“Some of the marijuana has already been dried and stored in buckets,” he said. 

“It’s possible that this may be the largest marijuana farm the Police have confiscated. 

“Also taken in as evidence from the raid were live ammunitions and a pistol.” 

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 15 January 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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