A Methodist Church Minister charged with manslaughter for causing the death of a 16 year old boy appeared in court this week represented by defense counsel Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt.
Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma granted a two week adjournment to allow prosecution to finalise charges against the defendant.
Rev Poasa Leaupepe was arrested and charged by police last month for allegedly causing the death of a 16 year old parishner over a year ago in Safotu Savaii.
When Reverend Poasa was arrested last month, Assistant Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo told Samoa Global News the Pastor had been charged with manslaughter, one charge of causing grievous bodily harm, one of causing injuries and one of assault in relation to the youth’s death.
In a telephone interview with Samoa Global News just after he was arrested, Reverend Poasa Leaupepe said he was picked up by police from his office at the Methodist Church compound at Faleula, and did not understand why the charges have only been brought against him now, when the incident happened over 12 months ago.
According to the church minister, he had only slapped the boy once.
“I am in the dark as to why the police have charged me because as far as I’m concerned the boy died from leukemia,” Reverend Leaupepe said in a telephone interview earlier today.
Reverend Poasa is out on bail to await legal proceedings.
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