Convicted murderer Sairusi Ceinaturaga has been sentenced to life in prison for the tragic death of his one-year-old stepson at Vunidawa Settlement in Cunningham in October of the previous year. Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull delivered the verdict at the Suva High Court, where Ceinaturaga was found guilty of one count of murder.
In addition to the murder charge, Ceinaturaga pleaded guilty to one count of assault against his de facto partner. The judge established a minimum sentence of 18 years, after which Ceinaturaga may petition the Mercy Commission for a pardon.
The details surrounding the case reveal a harrowing sequence of events, as it was reported that Ceinaturaga struck his stepson with a cooking spoon before violently hitting the child’s head against a wall, ultimately resulting in the child’s death. A medical report presented in court indicated that the child suffered from blood clotting and significant head injuries due to the force used.
Justice Bull emphasized the profound emotional harm and distress inflicted on the child’s mother, underscoring the devastating impact of such violent acts on families and communities. The case serves as a grim reminder of the critical need for awareness and prevention of domestic violence, as well as the protection of vulnerable children.