Man killed Sunday morning in Iliili As his young son looked on by Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu Samoa News Reporter It was a horrifying Sunday morning for Tupou Afu Lihua and her sons, when her husband Lopeti Lihua, a father of four was killed just outside their home, behind the kitchen area, while her 7-year-old son looked on. The incident took place in the village of Iliili at around 9:30 a.m. Mrs. Lihua, who spoke to Samoa News in tears, said her son was outside and she was shocked when he ran into the house — his body was covered with blood. “When I ran outside… my husband was on the ground and he was already gone, and (the suspect) took off on foot, then another man chased after him,” she said. Mrs. Lihua further stated that it was her 7-year-old son who saw the entire incident take place, and she’s worried that this has traumatized her son too much. According to the wife of the deceased, her husband was struck with a crowbar several times and the last blow landed on his head, causing devastating damage to his brain. The couple has four boys, with the eldest son currently in Tonga, while three are on island. Lopeti was the only breadwinner for his family. The main suspect, who’s in his 20s, was living with Mr. and Mrs. Lihua. The suspect, who fled the scene, was apprehended by detectives from the DPS Criminal Investigation Division. Head of the CID, Lavata’i Ta’ase Sagapolutele declined to comment on the case. The crowbar that was allegedly used as the weapon was located not far from where the body was found. It’s unclear what the motive was; however, family members say that the suspect has mental issues. Mr. Lihua, 36, a Tongan National migrated from Tonga some years back and was working at a tire place in Utulei. He’s been described by his employer, Mauga Sausaulele, as a hard working man who’s always cracking jokes to make the customers laugh and happy. “He will be missed,” Sausaulele told Samoa News. Samoa News extends its deepest condolences to the Mrs Lihua and her family. Reach reporter at joy@samoanews
Posted on: Mon, 24 Jun 2013 22:04:09 +0000
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