12 Oct 2010

Luagalau killer released from Samoa jail after serving 11 years

2:41 pm on 12 October 2010

After 11 years in jail, the man who shot and killed Cabinet Minister Luagalau Levaula Kamu in 1999 is now out on parole.

The parole board made the decision last week to release Alatise Leafa, who is the son of the Cabinet Minister Leafa Vitale who was jailed for the same murder.

Vitale was granted parole and released in May on health grounds.

Our correspondent, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, says the release was expected.

"The member of the parole board, which is the chief executive officer of the ministry of justice and courts administration was saying that good conduct is one factor of the consideration of the board and the other one he served more than half of his life sentence, but his conduct and he shows true remorse."

Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia says the widow of the late Minister of Works has so far refused to speak with the media about the release.