Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On August 27, 2026, a victim of a domestic dispute called the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) and reported a threat allegedly made by her sister to seriously harm her and everyone inside their residence. 

The suspect, later identified as Violet Kipling, was arrested and charged with:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine not to exceed $300, or both imprisonment and fine; and,
Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree, a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine not to exceed $300, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to the court report, the initial caller (later identified as victim #1) told police that Ms. Kipling had allegedly threatened to “slice her throat” and harm other members of the household.

Officers arrived at the residence at approximately 8:57 p.m. and upon arrival, encountered a female family member outside the residence who approached and waved down the responding officers.

Police entered the residence, where several family members were present. One of the family members (victim #1), who had contacted police, was seated inside the home, while the family’s father was also present and spoke with officers regarding what had allegedly occurred.
The authorities were informed that Kipling had made threats against them and that they were concerned for the family’s safety. Officers subsequently proceeded upstairs in an effort to locate Kipling.

Police reported that Kipling was found seated in the patio area and appeared calm when officers approached her. Officers informed her of the reason for their presence and attempted to take her into custody. 
Kipling initially resisted by getting up but ultimately complied with the officers' commands. She was escorted from the residence and placed inside a police vehicle before being transported to the TPS for further investigation.

ALLEGED KNIFE THREAT

According to statements provided to police, the incident reportedly began when victim#1 went to the patio to smoke a cigarette. While the victim was outside, Kipling allegedly told her that she needed to leave the residence. The victim responded that she would not leave because the residence was also her home.

The disagreement allegedly escalated into a verbal confrontation between the two sisters.

It was during the argument, Kipling allegedly threatened victim #1 with a knife. According to the victim, Kipling threatened to “slit her throat with the knife,” and made additional statements about cutting out the family member’s heart and forcing it down her throat.

The alleged threats caused the victim to be concerned for her safety. She then reportedly contacted another sister (later identified as victim #2) by telephone and informed her of what was happening.

As a result, the third sister came to the residence to check on the situation.

ALLEGED PHYSICAL ALTERCATION

When the third sister arrived at the residence, Kipling allegedly confronted her and pushed her.

According to the police report, the third sister (victim #2) responded by grabbing Kipling by the hair and pulling it. The two women then became involved in a physical altercation.

Another family member reportedly intervened and separated the two women. Police were told that the alleged confrontation was particularly concerning because the family had experienced similar threatening behavior involving the sister in the past.

One family member reportedly told police that the alleged threats were not an isolated occurrence and that the sister had previously displayed similar behavior toward members of the household.

However, family members stated that this was the first time they had witnessed the sister becoming physically aggressive toward another person inside the residence.

Police did not observe any visible scratches, marks, or other apparent injuries on the two victims who were interviewed at the residence.

DEFENDANT REQUESTS ATTORNEY

After the offending sister was transported to the TPS, she was Mirandized and stated that she wanted an attorney and requested to speak with a lawyer.

Kipling subsequently refused to answer questions or provide a statement concerning the allegations.

Police respected her request for counsel and proceeded with the remaining booking and investigative procedures. Before the booking process was completed, Kipling reportedly showed officers minor scratches that she had sustained.

Police asked Kipling whether she wanted an EMS unit to respond to the station to evaluate her injuries. However, Kipling declined medical assistance and did not want an EMS unit to respond.

The minor scratches were photographed by police and documented as part of the investigation.

FAMILT SAYS THEY NO LONGER FEEL SAFE

The investigation also revealed concerns among family members about continuing to live in the same residence with Violet Kipling. 

According to the police report, the family told officers that they no longer felt safe living with the defendant because of the alleged repeated threats and the escalation to physical aggression.

Family members reportedly requested that Kipling be removed from the residence for the foreseeable future.

The father of the family also reportedly told officers that Kipling had displayed this type of behavior toward the family in the past. However, he indicated that the alleged physical aggression during this incident represented a significant escalation in her behavior.

Police subsequently completed the investigation and booking process.

Kipling was transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where she was confined pending her court appearance.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on Aug. 28, 2026.

As with all criminal cases, the allegations outlined in court filings remain accusations at this stage, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

[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.]