Police investigations are ongoing although local media report the prime suspect, a prisoner out on parole, is in police custody.
The call from the victim's parents and immediate family has stirred up public debate about penalties for serious criminal offences in the country.
The Chairman of the Vanuatu Christian Council Allen Nafuki said he would be convening a meeting of the council this week to discuss the issue but said he personally felt there was no place for capital punishment in Vanuatu.
