Judge Riyaz Hamza, in his sentencing decision, lamented the tragic turn of events that transformed what was meant to be a joyous and unforgettable vacation into a nightmare for the deceased and her family, causing immense pain and grief. Robert Dawson, charged with killing his wife during their Fiji honeymoon, has been ordered to be held without bail. The life sentence he received is mandatory, with the possibility of parole after 18 years. Chen’s mother, Xiao Wei Liu, expressed her anguish in a victim impact statement, emphasizing the heartbreaking loss of her daughter at the hands of the person who vowed to love and cherish her. Chen’s father, Tao Chen, described his daughter as the heart of their family, and her death left a void that he struggles to fill each day. Dawson’s conviction in a bench trial came after testimony from hotel workers detailing a night of drinking, dancing, and an ensuing argument that ended tragically. The horrific scene discovered the next day, where Chen was found dead, marked by severe injuries, including a fatal traumatic brain injury, shook all involved. Witnesses testified to hearing disturbing noises coming from the couple’s cabin before the tragedy unfolded, and Dawson’s behavior after the incident raised suspicions. The trial brought to light a chilling sequence of events that ended in tragedy, forever altering the lives of those touched by the heinous crime.
The aged police officer engaged in a heated argument with Chen regarding his ex-wife during dinner, after which they returned to the cottage in an inebriated state. Bradley Dawson appeared at the Fiji court for his bail hearing. “We then retired to bed, and as I reached out to embrace and cuddle her, she became enraged, accusing me of causing her harm and expressing uncertainty about wanting to remain in a relationship with me,” he recounted during a police interview, as documented in the transcript. “Our dispute escalated near the bathroom, where Christe pushed me, triggering a loss of control on my part.” The Fox True Crime Team can be followed on X. Dawson disclosed to authorities that both the toilet and window were damaged in the altercation, after which he left briefly but returned to find her still in the same place. Choosing to escape the situation, he seized a kayak and paddled into the night. Upon being asked to revisit the scene of the altercation, he declined, citing reluctance to confront other guests. Prosecutor Sheenal Swastika exited the High Court in Lautoka, Fiji, on January 27, 2025, having successfully led the prosecution against Bradley Dawson for the murder of his wife, Christie Chen. Despite Dawson’s plea of not guilty, he opted not to testify in his defense or present any witnesses. The defense contended that Chen’s fatal injuries resulted from a drunken fall rather than foul play. “This Court rejects the accused’s version,” declared Hamza at the conclusion of the trial, citing the severity of the injuries and questioning the lack of aid rendered. Dawson has a 30-day window to file an appeal. Situated on a 500-acre private island off the Fiji mainland, Turtle Island Resort is renowned for its picturesque reefs, pristine beaches, and for serving as the setting for the 1980 film “Blue Lagoon” starring Brooke Shields.
