16 Feb 2006

Jurors in American Samoa murder trial start deliberating

4:28 pm on 16 February 2006

Jurors in the American Samoa murder trial of Richard Mahjor, accused of murdering a young man in 2003, have started deliberating, after a four day trial conducted under tight police security.

Mr Mahjor, a 34 year old American is charged with first degree murder, feloniouis restraint, tampering with evidence and property damage.

The prosecution's two key witnesses were two American Samoans who have testified that an armed Mr Mahjor ordered them to beat Wyatt Bowles to death.

They say he also ordered that the victim's body and vehicle be dumped in the ocean off the cliffs at Vaitogi.