A dispute over a cigarette between two young relatives allegedly ended in murder, a Court heard yesterday. 

A 16-year-old teenager appeared in Court yesterday over the alleged murder of his 24-year-old cousin. 

The teenager, who has been issued a name suppression as he is a minor, made his first appearance in the Supreme Court on Monday.

It is alleged that a dispute over a cigarette got the teenager and his cousin into a fight. 

The defendant is alleged to have struck his cousin with a shovel, causing an injury that resulted in his death later on that day.  

Before Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke, the matter has been adjourned without plea to allow prosecution to finalise charges against the teenager. 

Both relatives were both employed by a family member who is a carpenter. 

The deceased is from the village of Malie.

During Police investigation earlier this month, shovels were removed from a property in Lotopa as part of the investigation. 

The teenager was arrested and charged following the death of his cousin at the Motootua hospital. 

The 16-year-old is due to appear again on Monday 20 September for his matter. 

He was represented by lawyer Arthur Lesa.

Prosecutor is Assistant Attorney General, Magele Leone Sua and assisted by Quentin Sauaga.