Pacific

Insanity plea put forward in Palau by man accused of murdering three people

09:34 am on 7 January 2004

The accused murderer of a missionary family in Palau has pleaded not guilty by reasons of insanity.

In an affidavit, Justin Hirosi told police he had smoked crystal methamphetamine before murdering three De Paiva family members before Christmas.

Mr Hirosi has been charged with 20 counts, including first degree murder, rape, sodomy and child abuse.

The trial is likely to be some time away, and no bail has been set.