Suspects of two separate Father’s Day murders appeared in Court during criminal mentions on Monday morning.
Both suspects remain in police custody until their respective bail applications can be heard.
Vailele murder
It is the second appearance for 20 year old Naseri Lefia Taugofie who faces a murder charge for allegedly beating a father of seven with a 2×6 piece of timber.
The youth has been assigned a legal aid lawyer and also faces alternative charges of manslaughter, grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm and armed with a dangerous weapon.
Tuitama’i Niko Moegalupe, 43, died five days later from head injuries sustained by the alleged attack. His widow told SGN that her husband was asleep in their nearby faletele when he was beaten.
Satitoa murder
In a separate incident also on Father’s Day long weekend, a drinking session gone wrong at Satitoa, Aleipata led to the death of Sanele Amasitone Mika of the same village.
Talatau Niue, 39, had originally been charged with causing injury in the District Court however the victim died at Motootua National Hospital a week later, elevating the charges to murder.
Mika died on Sunday 15 August from critical injuries caused by the alleged assault.
Ann Matalasi has been appointed to represent Niue who also faces alternative charges of manslaughter, grievous bodily harm, intent to cause actual bodily harm and one count of assault.
Bail hearings were set for both defendants by Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma. Prosecution has made known their intentions to oppose bail.
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