The defense lawyer in the case of a 21-year-old charged with murder has requested if the accused can be sent for psychiatric evaluation.

21-year-old Suliasi Fuata appeared before the Suva High Court today.

Fuata had earlier pleaded guilty to one count of murder.

Defense stated that they are not asking to vacate the earlier guilty plea but that he be sent for evaluation as they have noticed changes in his behavior.

The Director of Public Prosecutions Office informed the court that they have filed sentence submissions, post mortem report and a summary of facts.

The court heard that on the 28th of June, Fuata punched and stabbed his 19-year-old partner in Nasinu over a Facebook message that was sent to a relative of the victim.

The accused has been remanded and the case will be recalled tomorrow.