6 Mar 2003

Eight now charged in connection with suspected drug deal killing

3:17 pm on 6 March 2003

In American Samoa, two new defendants have appeared in the Pago Pago district court in connection with the disappearance of Wyatt Bowles Jr last week.

Paulava Malala and Whisky Kelemete have been charged with tampering with evidence.

The court has sealed court records for both defendants, just as it did for four others facing charges in connection with the disappearance.

Mr Bowles is believed to have been killed in a drug deal that went wrong.

Paulava Malala is also awaiting trial for his role in the death of another man last year.

Bail for both men has been set at 25,000 US dollars.