Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On December 9, 2025, an alleged violent altercation between family members prompted a police response in Leone late Monday afternoon, leaving one man hospitalized with serious injuries and another treated for a laceration.

 Authorities say the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute that quickly escalated into an alleged physical confrontation inside and around a family residence, raising concerns for the safety of those present.

The suspect, Manuele Aulaumea was later charged with:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine not more than $300, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2: Assault in the Second Degree (DV), a class D felony by a term of imprisonment for up to five years, a fine not less than $150, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to the court affidavit filed in the District Court on Dec. 22, 2025, police were alerted at approximately 4:36 p.m. when a call was placed to the Leone Police Substation (LPS) reporting that Manuele Aulaumea had allegedly assaulted a relative with a machete. Officers were dispatched to the scene to investigate the report.

Upon arrival, officers observed Mr. Aulaumea walking around the property with visible injuries. Police noted that his face was covered in blood and that he had sustained a severe laceration to his left ear, which appeared partially detached.

Due to the seriousness of the injury, officers rendered immediate assistance and transported him to the hospital for emergency medical treatment.

The other individual involved in the incident was advised to go to the LPS for further investigation. Once at the station, he was interviewed regarding the events that led to the confrontation.

According to his statement, the dispute began after he turned off the household water supply. He reported that shortly afterward, Aulaumea threw a machete at him, striking his leg and causing a laceration. He stated that Aulaumea then retrieved the machete and began swinging it at him.

When the initial swing missed, he said he grabbed Aulaumea and threw him to the ground, leading to a physical struggle. During the altercation, he reported punching Aulaumea multiple times in an effort to defend himself and disarm him.

Despite his attempts, Aulaumea allegedly maintained control of the machete. When he managed to get away, he ran inside the house seeking safety, but Aulaumea reportedly followed him inside while still holding the machete.

Although injured during the confrontation, the individual declined emergency medical assistance when it was offered at the scene.

Police also spoke with the individual who made the initial report, who stated that she had been sleeping inside the residence when she heard loud voices outside. When she went to check what was happening, she observed Aulaumea holding a machete, with blood on his face. Alarmed by the situation, she contacted police for immediate assistance.

A nearby neighbor also provided information to authorities, stating that he heard people screaming and warning others to be careful so children would not get hurt. He reported seeing Aulaumea inside the residence holding a machete before later observing him fall out through the front doorway with blood on his face.

Police later documented that Aulaumea sustained a significant laceration to his left ear, which required stitches to reattach the damaged portion.

On December 13, 2025, police conducted a follow-up visit at the hospital to check on Aulaumea’s condition and obtain his account of the incident.

According to his statement, he was taking a shower when the water was turned off, which upset him.

He admitted retrieving a machete and approaching the other individual. He claimed that he was then grabbed, thrown to the ground, and repeatedly punched in the face.

Police noted that the two individuals involved are related, identifying Manuele Aulaumea as the uncle of the other party.

Authorities also documented that the other individual sustained a three-inch cut to his left leg during the incident but again refused medical treatment.

The case remains under investigation, and the matter is pending further review by prosecutors.

[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]