The devastated mother of 41-year-old David Golk has shared a touching tribute after his body was discovered in Samoa, vowing to hold him in her heart “until I can hold you in heaven.”
According to Talanei News, six men have been charged in connection with David’s death and appeared in an American Samoa District Court last week.
The accused are Faleulu Faleulu, Togafau Ieremia, El‑Shaniah Segi, Waldie Allen III (also known as Aleki), Wayne Leti, and Cowley Tui Tafea. Two of those arrested in relation to the case are juveniles.
According to Talanei, several of the defendants were allegedly drinking beer at a location in Vaitogi when the victim walked past.
It is alleged that El‑Shaniah Segi approached the victim, lifted him, and slammed him to the ground, with one defendant claiming he saw the victim’s head strike the edge of the sidewalk.
Prosecutors also allege that Togafau Ieremia used a bat to strike the victim, while Faleulu Faleulu is accused of kicking him and stealing personal items, including a chain, rings, a bracelet, Nike sandals, and a JBL speaker.
Police further allege that when Faleulu was located, he was wearing some of the victim’s belongings.
All six defendants are being held without bail, Talanei reported.
The deceased’s mother, Vea Golk, who is of Tongan origin from Matamaka, Vavaʻu, told Kaniva News that David was her only son.
Describing herself as a “heartbroken mother,” she said she will carry her son in her heart until the day she can “hold [him] in heaven.” She added that she loves and misses him dearly and looks forward to seeing him again.
As previously reported, Vea said she was deeply distressed and has struggled to sleep as she reflects on the alleged cruelty her son suffered.
She said the last time she saw him was on Friday afternoon, before police arrived at her home early Saturday morning and asked her to accompany them to the hospital to identify a body found behind a store in Vaitogi.
She said she could hardly recognise her son when she saw him, describing his face as severely swollen and discoloured.
Mrs Golk added that while her son would sometimes leave home for one or two days, he would always return.
