Inquest set for today as Tuvaiki laid to rest

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 20 July 2016, 12:00AM

The body of a fa’afafine found dead and hanging from the rafters of a church hall at Taufusi was finally laid to rest yesterday.

The funeral service of the 20-year-old fa’afafine identified as “Jeanine Tuvaiki” was held at the Si’usega Catholic Church.

The Samoa Observer was asked by Tuivaiki’s father to leave the funeral.

Yesterday, Police Media Officer Maotaoalii Kaioneta Kitiona confirmed that Tuivaiki’s body was released to the family following the post mortem.

 “We are waiting for the Coroner’s report,” he said. 

“The investigation is completed. The post mortem was done last week Friday and the report will have to be approved by the Court. 

“In the meantime, the body of Jeanine has already been released to the family.”

Maotaoali'i said an Inquest is scheduled today before the District Court.

At first, it was thought that suicide was the cause of death. But the Police suspected homicide.

“We found some marks on the body which indicated to us that suicide was not necessarily the cause of death and that’s what we want to look into some more.”

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 20 July 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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