Court makes final adjournment to review murder-charged medical records

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 7 April 2025 – Supreme Court Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma told the counsels in the Papali’i Sia Figel murder case that he did not want to keep on calling the matter.

He said many opportunities have been given to the defence counsel to provide the medical review reports she needed from Hawaii for her client hence the previous adjournments.

However, defence counsel Unasa Iuni Sapolu asked for a further adjournment in the hope she would have received the reports by then.

Prosecutor Taimalelagi Leinafo Strickland confirmed that only one, the 2000 pages report by the Ministry of Health has been provided, but defence has yet to provide the report from Hawaii.

She did not oppose the application for adjournment.

Justice Roma reminded defence counsels that a date for the hearing has already been set for August and the prosecution needs to respond to any new report prior to the hearing.

He also said the adjournment to today was to access the report, then made an order for a final adjournment for defence counsel to provide the report then adjourn the matter to 22 April to be heard in Chambers.

Accused acknowledged the love from women inmates
Papalii who was listening to the discussion from the dock, tapped the microphone and asked for a chance to speak.

She acknowledged the Court and everyone then spoke of the love she received from the women in prison.

Wrapped around her shoulder was a bag made out of empty rice sacks which she handed to the police who tried to force it off her when she entered the dock.

In tears, she said, she has been in prison for 11 months and the bag is a sign of love she received from the women inmates who made the bag for her.

Justice Roma acknowledged what she said then adjourned the matter to the 22 April.

Papalii has already entered a not guilty plea to 6 charges that include murder as the principal charge, manslaughter, causing serious injuries and 2 charges of armed with a dangerous weapon.

Papalii is charged with the alleged murder of academic Professor Dr. Caroline Gabbard at Vaivase in June 2024.

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