Prosecution wants to drop vehicular manslaughter charge in 3-year-old Leulumoega case
The courthouse precinct at Mulinu'u.
Photo: Tina Mata'afa-Tufele
Prosecution has filed an application to withdraw a vehicular manslaughter charge against one of two defendants implicated in the Leulumoega car wreck that left one man dead in 2019.
The defendant Talosagatuufaatasi Faatagi appeared in the Supreme Court on Friday morning.
Mr. Faatagi is facing three charges: vehicular manslaughter, negligent driving causing death and negligent driving causing injury.
Prosecution seeks to drop all three charges against Mr. Faatagi.
Supreme Court Justice Leiataualesa Daryl M. Clarke received the application on Friday morning.
"The application was just brought to my attention this morning," said Justice Leiataualesa.
At the time of the car crash, Mr. Faatagi was village mayor of Leulumoega, the village where the car wreck occurred in November 2019.
In the matter of Mr. Faatagi's co-defendant, farmer and businessman Mikaele Maiava, prosecution plans to proceed with the vehicular manslaughter charge.
The two men were initially charged with vehicular manslaughter in March 2020.
The Police Commissioner at the time, Fuavailiili Egon Keil alleged the two vehicles involved in the wreck were racing, according to local media reports.
Drivers lost control resulting in the death of one passenger, he said.
The drivers and passengers of both vehicles were transported to the hospital for treatment, the former police commissioner said.
Justice Leiataualesa has called Mr. Faatagi's matter to be heard on Tuesday, 18 October. He ordered the defendant to follow his bail conditions and to appear in court next week.
Appearing from the Attorney General's Office for prosecution was Avei Faasii.
Appearing for Mr. Faatagi as defense counsel was Lucymaria Sio Ofoia.