Nadi doctor Isireli Biumaitotoya died from severe traumatic head injuries which may have been inflicted by a cane knife, the High Court in Lautoka was told yesterday.
Police forensic pathologist Dr Praneel Kumar said this in court as the prosecution rested its case in the trial of Ratu Peceli Rosotokaicake Rokoravolo, the man accused of killing Dr Biumaitotoya.
Mr Rokoravolo is charged with the murder of Dr Biumaitotoya, who was commonly known on social media as Dr Leli Darling, between August 31 and September 1, 2025, in Nadi.
As the State’s final witness Dr Kumar testified that Dr Biumaitotoya died from severe traumatic head injuries caused by multiple chop wounds and sharp force trauma which may have been inflicted by a cane knife.
He told the court that a post-mortem examination conducted on September 3, 2025, showed Dr Biumaitotoya had been struck about 30 times.
The injuries included three deep chop wounds to the back of the head requiring substantial force to penetrate the skull, as well as severe defensive cuts to the deceased’s hand, indicating a struggle to avoid the long blade.
Under cross-examination by defence lawyer Losana Taukei, Dr Kumar agreed the pattern of injuries indicated a struggle and confirmed the attack appeared emotionally charged.
When asked if he agreed that this was a crime of passion, Dr Kumar agreed saying that crimes of passion would result in more injuries due to their personal nature.
Ms Taukei told the court her client would take the stand today to give evidence.
The defence expects to call three additional witnesses before closing its case today.
