A 40-year-old man from Memphis has been convicted of murder after he killed his wife during their honeymoon at the exclusive Turtle Island Resort in Fiji two years ago. Bradley Robert Dawson was found guilty last week for the brutal slaying of his wife, 36-year-old Christe Chen. The murder took place shortly after their arrival for what was supposed to be a romantic getaway on July 9, 2022, according to reports from the Fiji Times.
After hearing evidence throughout the weeklong trial, Justice Riyaz Hamza declared himself satisfied beyond reasonable doubt of Dawson's guilt, stating, “Having analyzed all the evidence... I am of the opinion... the prosecution has proved the charge of murder against the accused beyond reasonable doubt.” The judge highlighted details from the case, noting Dawson's intent to flee, as evidenced by his possession of his passport when arrested.
Chen was found by resort staff who responded to noise complaints. Reports indicate she had suffered multiple blunt force trauma injuries to her head, and the attack followed conversations of the couple fighting the night before, with resort guests recalling hearing disturbing noises from their bungalow. “It was as if someone was drunk... And then we heard a loud scream,” quoted one unnamed guest, expressing the shock of the horrifying scene.
Despite his defense of denying any wrongdoing, the evidence against Dawson proved overwhelming. Following the murder of Chen, he initially fled the resort by kayak to a nearby island, raising red flags for law enforcement. Prosecutors presented testimony from several guests and staff, who observed the couple during their stay and on the night of the incident.
At the time of her death, Christe Chen was noted not only as Dawson's wife but also as an accomplished professional—she was working as a pharmacist at Kroger and held degrees from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Her family had to have her cremated on the islands due to the fact her body was too damaged to transport back to the United States, adding another layer to the tragedy.
Dawson expressed deep sorrow following his wife's tragic death, telling ABC News after his arrest, “What I can say is I am so sorry for the situation... I lost my wife.” The judge's ruling emphasized how shocking the events were, with Dawson having seemingly intended to evade justice by carrying his belongings at the time of his capture.
Justice Hamza indicated the severity of the case as he prepared for the upcoming sentencing set for January 27, 2025. Under Fiji's laws, Dawson faces life imprisonment with the possibility of parole. This conviction has captured international attention not only due to the high-profile nature of the crime but also because it transpired at the same resort famous for its portrayal in the 1980 film “The Blue Lagoon.”
The couple had only married months prior to their ill-fated trip to Fiji, and Dawson's lack of previous criminal activity created shockwaves through both the local community and the broader narrative surrounding domestic violence, preventing many from grasping how such tragedy could happen during what was meant to be the happiest time of their lives.
Throughout the trial, calls for justice echoed from those familiar with both Dawson and Chen. Friends, family, and the community will have to grapple with the fallout of this crime for the foreseeable future, with Dawson now facing life behind bars, contemplating the irreversible decision made on the couple's honeymoon.
