Tuesday 29 September 2026, Mulinuu, Apia Samoa. Two men charged with conspiracy to murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Lemalu Lorenzo Tovia in Vietnam appeared before the Supreme Court of Samoa on Monday.
James Tuisavailuu Atua, 31, a New Zealand national, and Samoan national Fred Papalii, 33, were charged on the 10th of September 2026 with conspiracy to murder under section 106 of Samoa’s Crimes Act 2013.
The crime carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Samoa Police confirmed the charges in a joint statement with the Australian Federal Police (AFP)
According to the joint statement, the two men appeared before the Supreme Court on Wednesday 16th September and were granted conditional bail.
However when Atua and Papalii appeared before the Supreme Court on Monday, Prosecution sought a further four-week adjournment to finalise the charges.
The AGs Office Prosecutor told the Court that assistance was being sought from international agencies to confirm further matters needed to finalise the charges.
Defence counsels objected to the full four-week adjournment, arguing that the defendants had already faced several adjournments for the same purpose.
Counsel for the defendants asked the Court to grant just a further two weeks, raising concerns that the Prosecution had not provided supporting evidence for the further delay.
Justice Roma also noted that, “Previous adjournments were granted for the same purpose.”
The Court was also informed that the defendants have other matters scheduled for hearing in March next year, including money laundering charges.
Justice Roma took arguments under consideration and granted a final adjournment to Monday 19th October.
“I’ve decided to grant the application by Counsel, but that is for 3 weeks, not 4 weeks as requested..”
Justice Roma reminded Prosecution that an appropriate hearing date cannot be determined until charges are finalised.
Strict bail conditions remain for both defendants.
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