Updated – A former New Zealand detective sergeant, Joshua (Josh) Tu'iono Liava'a died in Kahaluu, Hawaii yesterday July 14 after a shooting incident in a house at the Waihee Road, his first cousin Taufu’i Moala has confirmed this to Kaniva News.
Honolulu Police have charged 18-year-old Samuela Mataele with second degree murder, terroristic threatening and a firearms violation following Liava’a's death.
Mataele was alleged by police to have shot Liava’a in the head on Sunday 14. Liava’a later died at Queen hospital the same day.
Read more: Liava'a dies in Hawai'i, a place he thought was safe
Bail is set at $250,000 and Mataele is expected to make his first appearance in court Wednesday, according to Honolulu’s kitv.com.
The website said: “Those close to the family say the suspect was known to have struggled with mental illness”.
His father was a caretaker of the property where the shooting took place and that Liava'a was staying on the premises.
Liava'a married Princess Mele Siu'ilikutapu in 1969 in Auckland, New Zealand but was later annulled under a royal command and after the princess was dragged back to Nuku'alofa, Tonga.
He is survived by his wife Victoria Liava'a also known as Leti Pikokivaka and his children with former wife.
Moala said a meeting has been arranged for the family in Auckland to organise for Liava'a's funeral.
Joshua Tu'iono Liava'a also known as Josh Liava'a
