Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The families of the four men killed as the result of the horrific car accident in front of the StarKist Samoa canning plant on December 18 are still waiting on the release of the bodies to make funeral arrangements.

The Department of Public Safety has requested the Attorney General's office for autopsies of the four men.

A report from RNZ Pacific says Attorney General Fainuulelei Ala'ilima Utu told KHJ News that based on the request from police, his office has asked LBJ Hospital for autopsies of Faasaulala Ahoni, Taumaoe Filipo, Ierome Vili and Alatina Faleasi.

The head of the Criminal Division of the AG's Office Kristine Soule has written to the Chief Medical Director at LBJ Dr Iotamo Salaeapaga requesting autopsies to determine if a crime was committed in the deaths.

KHJ news asked the AG if the Department of Public Safety is conducting a review of police conduct in the deadly accident.

RNZ Pacific reported that according to police information that's cited in a court affidavit supporting charges against the man charged in connection with the deaths, police had stopped his car, which was reported to be speeding and driving recklessly.

However, at the time DPS Deputy Commissioner, Foifua Foifua Jr told Samoa News that the vehicle involved in the incident was pulled over by traffic officers at the Satala Cemetery area for speeding prior to the incident.

Officers approached the driver of the vehicle to inform him the reason for the stop; but while officers were speaking to the driver, the driver took off and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed into another vehicle coming from eastbound to westbound — right in front of the cannery main gate.

(Sources: RNZ Pacific, KHJ and Samoa News archives)