Koror, Palau – Ivan Kelulau Tewid was indicted on a felony manslaughter charge in connection with the death of Ms. Kedoi Meyar of Meyuns, Koror, on May 31, 2024. The indictment also includes charges of first-degree assault, physical abuse of a family or household member, and failure to report a wound or death, all stemming from the same incident.
According to the indictment (Criminal Case No. 24-038), Tewid was allegedly driving with a coworker when he made a U-turn and sped to Meyuns. There, he reportedly got into a confrontation with his girlfriend, Ms. Meyar, and allegedly stabbed her with a 9cm-long, 2cm-wide blade.
Potential evidence against Tewid includes CCTV footage from a Bangladeshi store across from Ms. Meyar’s residence, eyewitness testimony, and statements from police officers and investigators.
Palau’s national code prescribes the following penalties for the charges:
- Manslaughter: 1 to 25 years imprisonment without parole and an optional fine of up to $50,000.
- Assault in the First Degree: 1 year imprisonment and/or a $1,000 fine.
- Physical Abuse of Family or Household Member: 1 to 10 years imprisonment and an optional fine of up to $25,000.
- Failure to Report Wounds or Deaths: Up to 1 year imprisonment and/or a $1,000 fine.
Tewid is currently being held in jail in Koror awaiting trial. The law guarantees the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. (By: Olkeriil Eoghan Ngirudelsang)