Man pleads guilty to manslaughter in death of teacher from China

Apia, SAMOA — A 31-year-old man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and two lesser charges in connection with the August 2018 death of volunteer teacher Charles Chao, who moved to Samoa from China.

The defendant, Tauinaola Luapua, of Salelavalu, Gataivai and Vaitele-fou, appeared before Supreme Court Justice Leaiataualesa Daryl M. Clarke early this week on Monday.

Luapua entered pleas of guilty to three charges – manslaughter, assault and robbery.

He admits to taking a cell phone from the victim on the night in question on the seawall in Apia. But the defendant says he did not take the $SAT300 cash for which he has been accused.

Read more at Newsline Samoa