A man charged with the murder of his 14 year old niece with disabilities, appeared before the Supreme Court of Samoa this week.
Lafi Solomona Pita, 29, of Salepoua’e Saleimoa has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, grevious bodily harm and being armed with a dangerous weapon.
Defense counsel Lucymaria Sio Ofoia was granted a request for time to provide a medical report from a mental health specialist.
The tragic incident was first reported In April 2025, when the 14 year old girl was found dead near her home at Salepouae Saleimoa on Easter Saturday.
Her uncle is alleged to have killed by her that morning while the rest of the family were out shopping for Sunday toanai.
The teenager had a physical disability and needed the help of family members to move around.
At the time, police said the girl’s family members found her body hidden under leaves behind an outside bathroom and immediately contacted police.
This case continues to ignite an emotional response from the public and NGOs standing for persons with disabilities. NGOs have called for more support to persons with disabilities as well as caregivers.
The defendant remains in police custody. He will appear again before Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma of the Supreme Court next week.
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