Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On October 30, 2025, a victim of a domestic dispute called the police station requesting help regarding her boyfriend, who allegedly assaulted her, according to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint filed at the District Court on Oct. 31, 2025.

Candy John Filipo was charged with:

Count 1: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of not more than $1,000, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2: Private Peace Disturbance, a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of not more $300, or both.

The defendant's bail was set at $1,000.

Then affidavit states that after a woman (later identified as the victim) contacted the police station to report that she was allegedly assaulted by her boyfriend, police officers responded to the call and, upon arrival at the scene, saw a female in the distance, crying and shaking in front of her house.

There were also witnesses — an old lady and a teenage girl — at the scene, who were later identified as the victim's mother and sister.

The victim was interviewed at the scene regarding what had happened.

According to the victim, her boyfriend (suspect) came home from work and wanted to take their children's chips to his co-workers, but she refused. As a result, her boyfriend struck her in the face with a closed fist.

The victim explained that she repeatedly told the suspect to stop, but he continued to hurt her and yell profanities at her.

The officers also interviewed both witnesses, who told the same story about seeing the suspect and victim arguing after evening prayer. The argument led to the suspect punching the victim in her right eye; and, then her left eye after she called the police. The incident happened in the living room of their home.

The investigation later revealed that the Mr. Filipo currently lives with the victim and her family at their home and is the father of her children. After the victim's interview, she described her boyfriend, and informed the authorities that he ran off heading eastbound.

The officers searched the perimeter of the scene, but Filipo was nowhere to be found.

The defendant is identified as a 23-year-old U.S national.CThe affidavit does not state if the suspect has since been arrested.

[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.]