Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Police responded to a disturbance call at a rental residence in Fagatogo on the early evening of December 7, 2025, following reports of a family argument that escalated into an alleged assault and verbal threats.

Bernard Muliau was charged with the following:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV) — a class C misdemeanor but with a penalty enhancement to one class above the class otherwise provided, a class B misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed six months, a fine of not more than $500, but not less than $150, or both such imprisonment and fine, based on the defendant’s previous conviction; and,

Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree (DV) — a class A misdemeanor, but with a penalty enhancement to one class above the class otherwise provided, a class D felony, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed five years, a fine not less than $150.00, or both such imprisonment and fine based on the defendant’s previous conviction.

Bail for the defendant was set at $1000.

According to the affidavit filed on December 9, 2025 in the District Court, a woman called to report a disturbance involving a male, later identified as Bernard Muliau, at the Herb and Sia Rental House in Fagatogo.

Officers from the Fagatogo Police Station ((FPS) responded to the scene shortly after receiving the call, but Mr. Muliau was no longer present.

Officers spoke with family members who were at the house to gather information about what had occurred.

The suspect’s mother provided officers with an account of the incident. She stated that an argument had taken place between her two sons, Bernard and Arona Muliau, over the use of a mobile phone. According to her statement, Arona was using the phone when Bernard took it from him, leading to a verbal confrontation between the two, which quickly escalated.

She stated that the defendant allegedly punched his brother (the victim) twice in the face, striking both sides of his facial area. She also reported that the suspect shouted profanities during the incident and made threats to kill the victim and to burn down the residence.

Later that evening, at approximately 7:01 p.m., the victim arrived at the FPS and provided a written statement.

In his statement to police, the victim, Arona stated that the disagreement began over their mother’s phone. He stated that his brother became increasingly angry during the argument and struck him twice on both sides of the face with a closed fist. The victim also reported that his brother shouted profanities and made threats against him and the family home.

The victim informed officers of his brother’s possible whereabouts following the incident.

Police noted that no visible injuries were observed on the victim at the time of the interview.

Based on the information provided, officers began searching for the suspect and Bernard was later located at the family residence, where he was apprehended without incident and transported to the FPS for questioning.

At approximately 7:22 p.m., the defendant was advised of his constitutional rights, which police said he waived before providing a verbal statement.

According to police, Bernard admitted to taking the phone from his brother. He claimed that his brother threatened to stab him with a knife during the argument, which made him angry. He further admitted that he then punched Arona twice on both sides of his face.

Police describe the incident as a family dispute that escalated quickly due to heightened emotions.

Bernard Muliau was subsequently booked and confined later that evening to await his court appearance in District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 23-year-old US National.

[Editor’s Note: An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation for use as evidence in court. It is not a court decision. Under local law, defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty by the court. ra]