Vacolo Qio of Nausori has been found guilty of the murder and theft of his 76-year-old neighbor. Although he was acquitted on a charge of burglary, he was convicted for the heinous murder that took place in September 2023. The court proceedings uncovered that Qio brutally attacked the elderly woman in her home, leaving her with severe injuries to her face and chest, before suffocating her by stuffing cloth into her mouth. Pathologist Dr. Praneel Kumar later confirmed that the cause of death was asphyxia resulting from smothering.
Significant evidence came from a key witness who testified that Qio had visited her home immediately following the murder with items he had stolen from the victim’s residence, including a mobile phone, wristwatch, bus card, and purse. These items were later acknowledged by the victim’s daughter as belonging to her mother.
High Court Judge Justice Tuiqereqere, despite acknowledging the absence of direct evidence regarding how Qio accessed the victim’s home, found the circumstantial evidence compelling enough to establish his involvement. His proximity to the crime scene and possession of the stolen items shortly after the murder contributed to his conviction.
Throughout the trial, Qio opted to remain silent, with the onus of proof solely on the prosecution, which successfully demonstrated his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Qio now awaits sentencing, facing serious convictions of murder and theft.
This conviction reflects a commitment to justice in cases involving violent crimes and offers a sense of resolution, albeit partial, to the victim’s family. It highlights the diligence of the justice system in piecing together circumstantial evidence to deliver a verdict. Despite the gravity of the crime, the outcome provides some closure and serves as a reminder of the legal system’s role in upholding justice for victims of such tragic events.