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Suspect disowns killing of Kosraean
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Posted on Feb 15 2001
Steven R. Aguon yesterday pled not guilty to a second degree murder charge for the February 3, 2001 slaying of a 25-year-old Kosraean male at Kannat Tabla.
The 20-year-old defendant was initially charged before the Superior Court of voluntary manslaughter for the death of Welly Tosie, who was found near his residence apparently battered to death one early Saturday morning. The suspect has waived his right to a preliminary hearing.
Earlier reports reveal that Mr. Aguon confessed to police of having battered the victim with a blunt object.
The victim’s body was found by authorities at around 7:41am sprawled on the roadway infront of the BiF Tong Yang Carpet warehouse, swimming in a pool of his own blood.
When Mr. Tosie was transported to the Commonwealth Health Center for examination, it was found that he suffered extensive injuries on the head and facial areas. He was pronounced dead on arrival.
Mr. Aguon claimed he only tried to protect himself from Mr. Tosie, who also intended to attack him with a baseball bat that he held at that time. He said he grabbed the object from the victim and struck him with it, twice on the head.
According to interviews with police, Mr. Aguon stated that the victim also threw a rock at him which then prompted him to grab the baseball bat to take another swing at Mr. Tosie’s head for the second time.
It was after the second blow that the victim fell to the ground. He added that he continued to hit the victim’s head and stomach with the dangerous weapon. After that, the defendant walked home and threw the baseball bat into the woods. The object has been recovered by police for evidence.
Meanwhile, the victim’s relatives claim it was not the first time Mr. Aguon committed physical attacks against Mr. Tosie.
Ms. Julia Joe, the victim’s sister, said her brother was never one to initiate fights nor cause trouble. (MM)
