‘Emilio To’a has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Siaosi ‘Okusitino Tupa, who died after being stabbed multiple times with a knife during a drunken brawl at Fangaloto in March, 2018.

To’a also pleaded not guilty to alternative counts of manslaughter and grievous bodily harm, at the start of the murder trial before Lord Chief Justice O.G. Paulsen and a jury on May 6.

The Prosecutor, Acting Attorney General, ‘Aminiasi Kefu in opening the Crown's case said this offence occured on Sunday morning, March 4 at a home in Fangaloto.

The accused who was 21 years old at the time was drinking alcohol with Tupa (24) and his de facto partner, 'Ana. Both To'a and Tupa lived at Fangaloto knew each other.

The Court heard, while drinking, an argument arose between the deceased, Tupa and 'Ana. The accused, who is said have seen Tupa push 'Ana, decided to take part in their argument.

The accused allegedly then went into the kitchen at this house and got two knives. He came out and told Tupa to stop beating women. Tupa on the other hand ran and got a piece of timber, while 'Ana left the premises.

Armed, the two men then challenged each other to put their weapons down namely, the knives and piece of timber. Tupa threw down the timber and the accused threw down a knife.

When the accused was to leave the premises, Tupa was still angry and followed the accused and asked for a fight. The two then fought in front of a neighbouring home.

The accused is alleged to then used his knife and stabbed Tupa on the neck before they fell down. He used the knife to repeatedly stab Tupa on other parts, which included his chest puncturing his lungs, said the Prosecutor.

A neighbour is said to have come out to break up the fight. Tupa, who at this time still managed to get up walked away before collapsing shorty after due to severe blood loss from the stab wounds.

The Prosecutor submitted the accused was reckless because he had intended to cause injury and knew the danger. Still he chose to stab the deceased with the knife, whether he died or not, he said.

The murder trial is set to be held for the rest of the week.

The accused is represented by Sifa Tu’utafaiva.