Prosecutor: Dr Biumaitotoya's killing was 'relentless' and 'rage-filled'

The High Court in Lautoka has heard that the fatal attack on Dr Isireli Biumaitotoya was a "relentless, barbaric, merciless and rage-filled" assault carried out with the intention of killing the doctor.

During closing submissions yesterday in the murder trial of Peceli Rokoravolo, State prosecutor John Rabuku said the pathologist had described the killing as a "murder of passion".

Rokoravolo is charged with the murder of Dr Biumaitotoya, who was fondly known as "Leighley Darling". The doctor was allegedly killed between August 31 and September 1, 2025.

Mr Rabuku told Justice Aruna Aluthge that the State had called 27 witnesses and tendered forensic and pathology reports to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused intentionally killed the doctor.

He said the evidence showed Dr Biumaitotoya sustained more than 30 knife wounds and multiple skull fractures caused by repeated, forceful blows.

"The attack was relentless, barbaric, merciless, rage-filled and buttressed by an evil desire and intention that the doctor should die," Mr Rabuku submitted.

The prosecution argued the evidence did not support claims of self-defence or provocation and maintained the accused intended to kill the victim.

Mr Rabuku said witness evidence remained clear and consistent throughout the trial and was not discredited during cross-examination.

Forensic evidence

Mr Rabuku told the court the accused used a long-handled knife to inflict more than 30 stab wounds.

He said pathology and forensic evidence showed repeated blows to the head, face, arms and back, causing multiple skull fractures and leaving the victim incapacitated.

The State argued the severity of the injuries demonstrated an intention to kill rather than an act of self-defence.

Actions after the alleged killing

The prosecution also relied on the accused's actions after the alleged offence, arguing they were inconsistent with someone acting in panic or under provocation.

"After the accused had systematically attacked the deceased on that night, he then left the house, took the deceased's vehicle and drove to Nausori. He followed the Nadi back road and started to pick up passengers from Nadi as if he had not killed someone. As if he had not left the person he had known for years bleeding to death in his house in Nadi," Mr Rabuku told the court.

He said phone records placed the accused around the Sigatoka area before travelling to Suva and Nausori during the early morning hours. The accused then travelled through Sawani Road into the Namosi region before driving back to Nadi, again picking up passengers along the way.

According to the prosecution, the accused later parked the victim's vehicle at the doctor's residence before leaving for Nausori.

The State argued these actions demonstrated composure and calculation rather than panic or a temporary loss of self-control.

Provocation challenged

Mr Rabuku also rejected the defence's claim of provocation.

"The accused complains that he was provoked, that he thought of everything that the doctor had said to him and done to him, including posting him on social media. He said it brought shame to him and his entire family.

"He even chose to call witnesses from his own family, who then told the court they knew of his relationship with the doctor.

"This was the nature of his relationship. Everyone knew the accused would repeatedly return to Nadi from Suva to spend time with the doctor, eat, drink, sleep, take some money and return to Suva. He was never at any time incapacitated to walk away and stay away," Mr Rabuku submitted.

The prosecution argued that provocation requires a temporary loss of self-control, which was not supported by the accused's conduct before or after the alleged killing.

Justice Aluthge granted the defence seven days to file its closing submissions.

A procedural application was also made regarding the release of the accused's clothing, which had been retained as court exhibits.

Judgment has been scheduled for August 18.