A couple charged in connection to the deadly shooting of a man in Talo’fo’fo will go to trial separately.

David Uncangco Jr. and Frances Cruz appeared before Judge John Terlaje in Superior Court today.

Defense was granted their request to severe the case.

Uncangco also told the court he wanted to speak with a police detective, stating,“I’m fighting for my life here. I'm doing my own defense too. I'm being thrown under the bus.”

The pair, who stand accused in the July killing of 48-year-old Joshua Taitague, are scheduled to appear back in court on Oct. 21 with trial expected to begin in early 2025.

Meantime, Cruz also pleaded not guilty to separate theft related charges before a magistrate judge today.