A 29-year-old man, alleged to have killed his 14-year-old niece, a person with disability, denied the charges when he appeared in the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

Lafi Solomona Pita from Salepoua'e allegedly killed the bedridden teenager at Salepoua'e, Saleimoa, in April this year.

Pita is charged with murder, manslaughter and armed with a dangerous weapon by the prosecution.

Defence counsel Lucy Sio-Ofoia requested a week's adjournment to obtain a mental health report for her client and file a bail application.

Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma adjourned the matter for hearing on the week commencing 16 March 2026.

The alleged murder left the community in shock. The incident took place in April. The teenager was allegedly left at home with other children as the family took a trip to buy groceries for their Sunday lunch.

The deceased victim was found behind the bathroom when the young members of her family went to look for her.