Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — After a request in June of this year for a medical assessment for Samoa murder suspect Sia Figiel, her medical records were submitted before the Supreme Court on Monday and will be reviewed.

That is the latest progress in the case against Ms. Figiel who is represented by lawyer Unasa Iuni Sapolu. She is charged with the murder of Professor Caroline Sinavaiana Gabbard.

Josephine Fuimaono Sapolu appeared on behalf of Unasa before Supreme Court Judge Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke. 

Samoa Observer is reporting that the Attorney General’s Office lawyer and prosecutor Fraser Lawrence contested the defense lawyer reminding of the request from Ms. Figiel to withdraw her lawyer from representing her. 

He also noted a psychiatrist evaluation from the local Mental Health department that stated Ms. Figiel did not experience any hallucinations. 

Ms. Sapolu on the other hand made reference to medical records for Figiel from Hawaii drawing its relevancy to the issue raised about legal representation. 

Justice Clarke has adjourned the matter to next Monday for the defense to review the medical report before dealing with the issue of representation. 

The lawyer for the defendant had recently reinstated her bail application after entering a not guilty to all charges including murder. 

The prosecution had earlier opposed the bail request and in the meantime, the defendant remains in custody, where she has been confined since May. 

Ms. Figiel through her lawyer decided to drop the bail application filed before the court and indicated the possibility of changing her plea, which the Supreme Court on Monday said will be reviewed.

According to the Observer, the defense wanted a plea bargain from the prosecution to drop the murder charge and they will reconsider changing the plea for the lower charge of manslaughter. 

The court has already scheduled the hearing for March next year. 

Ms. Figiel was initially charged with manslaughter but it was upgraded to murder following preliminary investigation into the death of Prof. Gabbard, who was a U.S. national

According to the police report, Prof. Gabbard, 78-years-old, was found dead at Figiel’s home in Vaivase-uta a day after she was allegedly murdered.