Bio

Public records and news reports give very little information about Justin Hirosi's early life. He is described in those accounts as a man in his early 40s at the time he was reported in Palau.

Those same sources note that he worked for the principal at the school where Margareth DePaiva taught. He was living and working in Palau when he was mentioned in news coverage.

Murder Story

On the night of 21–22 December 2003, Justin Hirosi broke into the DePaiva home in Airai, Palau. He killed Ruimar Duarte DePaiva, his wife Margareth, and their eleven-year-old son Larisson. The family's ten-year-old daughter, Melissa, was taken from the house alive.

Melissa later said Hirosi blindfolded her, tied her hands, and put her in the trunk of his car. He took her to his home and assaulted her. The next day he returned, took her again, and left her in a ravine. Melissa survived and managed to get to a road where two locals found her. They called the police.

Hirosi was arrested and charged with many counts, including murder, kidnapping, and sexual crimes. He at first pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. He was sentenced to life in prison for each count of murder.

The killings shocked people across Palau. The president declared a national day of mourning and leaders offered apologies and condolences. Funerals were held in Palau and in the United States.

Melissa stayed in hospital and later returned to the United States to live with relatives. She finished school, earned a nursing degree, and married in 2016. She later returned to Palau with her grandparents and husband. Hirosi became religious in prison, wrote letters to the family, was baptized, and asked them to visit. Melissa and some family members visited him in prison and met with local leaders during visits to Palau.

A documentary titled Return to Palau premiered in March 2022. Melissa and the DePaiva family were honored at events in Palau and at Andrews University. Ruth and Itamar DePaiva, Melissa’s grandparents, died in 2023 and 2025.