The coroner has recommended a post-mortem examination on the body of a 78-year-old woman who lost her life in a tragic homicide two weekends ago.

This was confirmed by the Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo in an interview with the Samoa Observer.

He added that the perpetrator, Papalii Sia Figel will remain in police custody until her first court appearance on 11 June (next week).

"The coroner has ordered a post-mortem on the body of the deceased victim so we will do that but the accused will remain in custody until her first court appearance," he said.

The police will have to await the arrival of the forensic pathologist from Fiji to do the examination as the post is yet to be filled. Until then, the body of the deceased will not be released to her family members.

The late Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard, a historian, environmentalist, and retired Professor from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa was the victim in the alleged murder for which playwright and poet Papalii Sia Figiel is charged.

Figiel, 57, was earlier charged with manslaughter on Sunday, however after all details of the horrific incident that led to the gruesome death of the environmentalist, the police upgraded the charge to murder on Monday.

The incident and the involvement of Papalii who is also a well-known poet and an award-winning writer was described by the opposition leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi as a rare incident happening with such successful and 'knowledgeable' people.

Meanwhile, a friend of the deceased victim who did not want to be named because of the sensitive nature of the incident said she was completely shocked and sad when she found out.

Commissioner in a previous interview said after the preliminary investigation the police found incriminating evidence leading to the charge being upgraded.

“A hammer is alleged to have been used as well as a small knife that inflicted multiple stab wounds on the deceased,” said Auapaau. 

“We do not know what the motive is of the offending but from reports the incident occurred on Saturday and the suspect left the deceased at her home while she went out to Lotofaga and spent time with a friend. 

“It wasn’t until Sunday morning while having breakfast that she told her friend about what she had done and that led to the matter being reported to the Police. 

“She came with her friend to the Police Station to report it and when Police went to her home to check they found the deceased's body there.”