murder case

The young man died instantly when the car he was driving hit a power pole on June 24 at Taufusi in Apia.

TV1Samoa reported an eye witness saying two cars were racing along the Taufusi stretch of road, reportedly well known for young people racing in the evenings, when the 18 year old's car veered off the road and crashed into the power pole.

Police said the young victim was from Tuana'imato and Alafua but did not release his name.

Borce Ristevski, 53, faced a Melbourne court on Wednesday. His lawyers said he planned to plead not guilty.

The body of Karen Ristevski, 47, was found in bushland in February, eight months after she went missing.

Her disappearance was described as "highly irregular" and prompted public pleas from police, her family, and even prominent local actor Samuel Johnson.

Mr Ristevski's lawyer, Rob Stary, told the Melbourne Magistrates' Court that his client would contest the charge. He did not apply for bail.

The Chief Justice asked both the prosecution and defence lawyers to find out the latest sentencing provision.

It is to be determined whether a defendant convicted of murder can be eligible for parole after serving ten, 15 to 17 years in prison.

The convict Shane Kerisimasi of Luatunuu village had been sentenced to life in jail last month.

The judge says he has been informed of the new provision of the law after he had passed sentence.

The matter will be called again next Monday.