Fifita Ponifasio Tau, 27, is suspected of starting the fire that killed a Tongan grandmother in San Mateo, US.
He is scheduled for a March 27 preliminiary hearing, East Palo Alto media reported.
Authorities said Tau thought it was the residence of rival West Side Tonga Gang members.
He is charged with arson and murder in the 19 Feb 2019 death of Susana Tonga, at her South Humboldt Street home.
Right now Kaniva News provides a free, politically independent, bilingual news service for readers around the world that is absolutely unique. We are the largest New Zealand-based Tongan news service, and our stories reach Tongans wherever they are round the world. But as we grow, there are increased demands on Kaniva News for translation into Tongan on our social media accounts and for the costs associated with expansion. We believe it is important for Tongans to have their own voice and for Tongans to preserve their language, customs and heritage. That is something to which we are strongly committed. That’s why we are asking you to consider sponsoring our work and helping to preserve a uniquely Tongan point of view for our readers and listeners.
