Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 34-year-old male from Samoa accused of stabbing someone in the neck, shoulder and back multiple times over a year ago, has admitted to the accusation.

Anesi Asaeli appeared in court this week for a Change of Plea hearing.

Asaeli was initially charged with one count of first-degree assault, a class A felony, punishable by imprisonment between 10-30 years, or a life sentence. However, under a plea agreement with the government, accepted by the court, Asaeli pled guilty to the amended charge of second-degree assault, a class D felony, punishable by imprisonment of up to 5 years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

Asaeli admits that on Dec. 16, 2020, he caused serious injuries to the victim by stabbing his neck, shoulder and back him multiple times with a knife.

According to terms of the plea agreement, it was one week before Christmas that cops at the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) received a phone call from the victim’s family, asking for assistance due to the severity of his injuries.

Cops who responded say they arrived and noticed a person lying on the ground in a pool of blood that covered one side of his head. One of the witnesses told police he saw Asaeli pull a sharp object from his pocket and assault the victim. The knife had a 6-inch blade and is considered a deadly weapon.

Asaeli told investigators that he assaulted the victim because the victim and his older brother assaulted his cousin earlier during a volleyball game in the village.

The government is recommending to the court to sentence Asaeli to probation, with the condition that he immediately depart the territory and remain outside of its borders for the duration of his probation.

Sentencing is set for next month.