Lise Muliaga’s five children faced unimaginable turmoil following her untimely demise.
Their father, Rimoni Muliaga, was responsible for the tragic incident at their residence in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
In a poignant statement shared by senior crown prosecutor Patrick Bourke KC, one of the teenagers expressed, “Please let my dad know that we are doing well and living in faith, just as he would desire.”
Despite the pain, the teen added, “I forgive him, though I cannot forget his actions.”
In September 2023, 44-year-old Muliaga fatally stabbed Lise in their Melton South backyard, mere months after their relocation from New Zealand, amid allegations of infidelity with his brother.
However, Muliaga contested the murder charge, attributing his actions to an intellectual disability and depressive disorder that he claimed clouded his judgment, leading to a trial.
A jury rejected those claims, convicting him of murder in December after four days of deliberations.
Eight victim impact statements were read to the court as Muliaga faced a pre-sentence hearing today.
Five came from the children he shared with Lise, ranging in age from seven to 16.
Muliaga blinked away tears as one of his young daughters described her difficulty sleeping because she kept thinking about the murder.
“I was having a bad dream,” the statement read.
“Mum went to heaven and dad went to prison alone. That made me sad.”
Another one of the children drew a picture depicting his mother in heaven with God and his father in jail, while another child illustrated a bloodied woman lying on the ground.
The 16-year-old son told the court the past few years had been traumatic but it made him mature and he was motivated to become a father figure to his younger siblings.
“I honestly just want to live life to the fullest,” he said.
Muliaga’s brother Daniel and sister-in-law Marama also provided statements to the court, with Marama showing grace.
“I want you to know I forgive you for the mess you have made,” she said.
“I pray for your healing for your sake and your beautiful kids.”
Defence barrister Michael McGrath accepted it was an objectively grave case, given the victim was Muliaga’s wife and he used a weapon.
But Muliaga showed remorse and his moral culpability should be reduced due to his intellectual disability and depression, McGrath said.
He had limited capacity to self-regulate his emotions and the morbid jealousy he experienced at the time of the murder was a feature of his conditions, the barrister said.
Bourke argued the jealousy was separate from Muliaga’s diagnoses and while his time in custody would be more difficult, his moral culpability should not be significantly moderated.
Justice James Gorton will sentence Muliaga at a later date.
If you or someone you know is in need of support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue. In the event of an emergency dial Triple Zero (000).
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