Extradition proceedings have begun to return an American yachtie in American Samoa to Tonga to face murder accusations.
Tonga police commissioner, Steven Caldwell Photo: supplied
Dean Jay Fletcher sailed into Pago Pago harbour yesterday after escaping custody in Tonga.
Mr Fletcher is accused of the murder of his wife, and had earlier allegedly been involved in a five hour stand off with police in Tongan waters.
Tonga's Police Commissioner says an investigation is underway into the escape from police cells, and he says people will be held to account if procedures had not been followed.
Our correspondent in Pago Pago, Monica Miller, says Mr Fletcher is now being held by American Samoan police for a customs violation.
We talk to our correspondent in Pago Pago, Monica Miller