19 Nov 2003

American Samoan murder case dropped after witnesses retract statements

7:19 am on 19 November 2003

The high court of American Samoa has dropped murder charges against defendant, Marlon Uli, after prosecution witnesses had taken back their initial statements or refused to testify.

A task force has been set up to see why there has been a problem with witnesses coming forward to give information about last year's fatal shooting of Maalona Felisi.

The attorney general, Fiti Sunia, says charges will be filed against anyone that has either threatened the witnesses or tried to impede their testimony.

Those who have information about the crime have been asked to contact the attorney-general's office immediately.