Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On May 15, 2025, an alleged victim of domestic dispute called the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) and reported that she was assaulted by her husband with a machete.

The defendant was later apprehended and charged with:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor but with a penalty enhancement by one class above the class otherwise provided (class B misdemeanor) punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of not more than $500, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2: Assault in the Second Degree (DV), a class D felony but with a penalty enhancement by one class above the class otherwise provided (class C felony) punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed seven years , a fine of not more than $5,000, or both imprisonment and fine.

The defendant’s bail was set at $20,000.

According to the court affidavit, on May 15th, at about 4:43 p.m., a woman contacted the TPS regarding her husband (suspect). The victim alleged that the suspect was shouting profanities in Samoan and calling her names, and had assaulted her in their home.

Police officers responded immediately and upon arrival at the scene, they saw a man chasing a woman with a machete. The officers exited the unit and proceeded to where the victim was headed.

When the suspect approached the main road where the victim was heading, he fled when he saw the police unit. The officers attempted to locate the suspect but he was nowhere to be seen.

Officers later escorted the victim and her daughter into the police unit to be transported to the station for further investigation. The victim gave both a verbal and written statement.

She explained that her husband (suspect) was upset because she didn’t call the police to report an unknown individual who allegedly stole from the suspect’s plantation. The victim said she told the suspect that he needed to call the police himself.

The victim claimed that the suspect assaulted her using the back of the machete and hit her four times. He also slapped her and waved the machete at her. The victim stated that she was scared because the suspect has anger issues with her and her kids.

The EMS were contacted for medical treatment for the victim who sustained bruises on her left arm and leg. The victim was asked if she needed further medical assistance but insisted she was okay.

Police officers also requested the neighbors to notify them when the suspect returned home. The victim and her daughter were transported to the Leone Police Station and referred to Social Services.

Case workers responded and assessed the case and upon completion, the victim and her child were transported to the shelter.

The investigation later revealed that the victim was brought into the TPS around January of this year for a similar incident between her and husband. However, she withdrew her complaint when the matter was brought to court.

The defendant is identified as a 42-year-old citizen of Samoa.