30 Nov 2011

French Polynesian man turns himself in over Nuku Hiva killing

2:05 pm on 30 November 2011

A thirty one year old Marquesan man has turned himself in to police following the death in October of a German tourist on the French Polynesian island of Nuku Hiva.

Police have been searching for the killer of Stefan Ramin who went on a hunting expedition with a local guide after he and his girlfriend sailed in on their yacht during a round the world trip

The case caused headlines after police found the dead man's ashes in a fire, sparking rumours of cannibalism which were then scotched by the investigating prosecutor in Papeete.

The dead man's partner says she was tied to a tree and sexually assaulted by the guide who'd come back to report the dead man missing.

Arihano Haiti, who is unemployed, reported to police in Nuku Hiva on Monday evening and is due before a magistrate for alleged murder, sexual assault and illegal confinement.