Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On August 10, 2026, police responded to a reported domestic disturbance in Ta’u, Manu’a, after a woman on Tutuila island reported that her daughter’s boyfriend had allegedly physically assaulted her daughter, threatened to kill her and later approached her family members while armed with a machete. 

The suspect, Sosaiete Fasavalu, was charged with:

Count 1 & 2: Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed five years, a fine of not more than $5,000, or both imprisonment and fine;
Count 3: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of not more than $300, or both; and,
Count 4: Private Peace Disturbance, 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 affidavit, the incident was initially reported at approximately 6:59 p.m. by a family member who contacted police from Pago Pago. She reported that her daughter had allegedly been assaulted and threatened at the family residence on Ta’u, Manu’a.

The caller also informed police that two other family members living on the same property had sustained open wounds to their hands during an altercation involving Fasavalu and a machete.

Police officers, assisted by Marine Patrol personnel, responded to the report using a police unit and a Marine Patrol vessel. Officers arrived at the residence at approximately 7:12 p.m. and began speaking with individuals present at the property.

Police were met by a relative of the family, who reportedly told officers that Fasavalu and another family member had left the residence and that he did not know where they had gone.

The relative then provided officers with information about what had allegedly occurred before police arrived. According to the report, several family members had gone to a nearby store earlier that evening. When they returned to the residence, they reportedly found the alleged victim crying.

When the family members asked what had happened, the victim reportedly told them that Fasavalu had pushed her during an argument and threatened to get a machete and kill her.

The situation allegedly escalated shortly afterward when the suspect approached the group while holding a machete.

The relative told police that he asked Fasavalu what had happened, but instead of stopping, the suspect continued walking toward the group while holding the machete.

Concerned about the situation, the relative reportedly struck Fasavalu in the mouth with a closed fist. The blow caused Fasavalu to fall to the ground, but according to the account provided to police, he continued to hold onto the machete.

Two family members then reportedly attempted to remove the machete from Fasavalu's possession in an effort to prevent anyone from being injured.

During the struggle, Fasavalu reportedly got back to his feet and attempted to swing the machete. The movement allegedly resulted in two individuals suffering cuts to their hands. One individual sustained an open cut to the left hand between the fingers, while another suffered an injury to the left hand.

The family then requested police assistance because of the escalating situation and the injuries.

Officers transported several individuals from the residence to the Ta’u Clinic for medical attention. Those who had sustained hand injuries were treated by medical personnel.

While officers were dealing with the injured individuals, police continued searching for Fasavalu.

Investigators later located him at a residence associated with his employment in Ta’u. He was detained and transported to the Ta’u Police Substation. The alleged victim was also transported to the station so officers could obtain additional information about the incident.

When Fasavalu arrived at the substation, officers reportedly detected a strong odor of alcohol on him. He was booked and placed in a holding cell while police awaited further instructions from the Department of Public Safety.

The investigation continued with an interview of the alleged victim.

According to her statement, she and Fasavalu had been drinking alcohol outside their residence earlier that evening. The situation reportedly changed after several family members left the property to go to the store.

The woman told investigators that she and Fasavalu became involved in an argument. She alleged that Fasavalu became angry and jealous over the way he perceived her interactions with one of her male relatives.

The argument reportedly escalated when Fasavalu allegedly pushed her to the ground.

She further alleged that Fasavalu threatened to retrieve a machete and kill her.

The victim also told police that the suspect had previously held a machete over her and made similar threats, indicating that the incident was allegedly not the first time she had experienced such behavior from him.

In addition, the victim explained that when Fasavalu went to get the machete, other family members returned to the residence and found her crying.

She told them what had reportedly happened before going inside the house because she was uncertain about what would happen next.

When she later returned outside, she allegedly saw Fasavalu holding the machete while her sister and other relatives were attempting to take the weapon away from him.

The investigation continued into the following day.

On August 11, officers transported the individuals involved in the incident to the Ta’u Police Station as investigators continued gathering statements and documenting the circumstances surrounding the reported assault and machete incident. 

Investigators interviewed several of the individuals who had been present during the confrontation. Written statements were obtained from those involved.

One individual who had reportedly confronted the suspect at the scene was advised of his constitutional rights before being questioned because investigators identified him as the initial person who confronted Fasavalu during the incident.

Investigators also advised Fasavalu of his constitutional rights before conducting hisinterview.

 During questioning, Fasavalu reportedly stated that his anger had gotten the better of him. He also told investigators that he held onto the machete because he believed the woman's relatives were going to confront him in retaliation for what had occurred between him and the alleged victim.

Fasavalu later provided investigators with a written statement regarding his account of the incident. The police report also noted that Fasavalu and the alleged victim had been in a relationship since March of this year. Although they lived on the same property, investigators noted that they occupied separate households on the property.

The defendant is identified as a 39-year-old citizen of Samoa
.
The affidavit was filed in the District Court on August 12, 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.]