Murdered father planned to return to N.Z.

28 November 2018, 12:00AM

A 69-year-old man, who was one of two men murdered last Friday at Leulumoega-uta, was due back in New Zealand to spend Christmas with his family.

The deceased flew into Samoa last Friday and was killed with a 42-year-old male on the same day. The Police, in a statement issued on Monday, said the 69-year-old man was of Leulumoega-uta, Luifilufi and New Zealand. 

A spokesperson, representing the family of the 69-year-old victim, told Samoa Observer that his immediate family members flew out on the next available flight to Samoa, when news of his death reached them in New Zealand. 

“My Father had just arrived the same day he was killed. He was here on holiday and was due to arrive back before Christmas to spend Christmas in Christchurch with the family,” the spokesperson said. 

“My Father was a hard worker, who taught us the value of education, family, and hard work. He loved gardening and the property in Samoa reflected this.”

The 42-year-old male—who was killed with their father—is not a son-in-law as reported earlier, added the spokesperson, and was living on the family property tending to its upkeep when he was killed.  

The double murders occurred at 7.05am last Friday, in an open outdoor kitchen area, according to the police.

A search was done to locate a third person after the gruesome discovery of the bodies—who was believed to be at the scene—with the CID officers arresting a 24-year-old male of Falefa last Friday evening.

The defendant has since been charged with murder and is remanded in custody to await mention in Court on December 10.

28 November 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>