Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On January 13, 2026, officers at the Leone Police Substation (LPS) received a call reporting a sibling assault in Asili, with the victim a minor.

The suspect was later arrested and charged with:

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

Count 2: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine not less than $300, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

(Samoa News has withheld the names of those involved to protect the identity of the minor.)

According to the court affidavit, filed on Jan. 15th in the District Court, responding officers arrived at the residence, and met up with an adult female relative of the victim who stated that she had witnessed the incident.

The witness advised officers that she had been inside her bedroom caring for her infant child when she suddenly heard loud yelling and Samoan profanity coming from the living room area of the residence. She stated that she exited her room to see what was occurring and observed the suspect striking the victim and immediately yelled at him to stop. The victim then exited the residence. Police officers made contact with her shortly thereafter.

Based on information provided by the witness, officers proceeded to the rear of the residence where the suspect was located. The suspect was apprehended without further incident and placed into a police unit.

Police conducted an interview with the witness, who reiterated that she personally observed the suspect strike the victim during the altercation. She also stated that the suspect was yelling profanities at the victim prior to the assault.

The victim was escorted to the police unit and transported to the LPS for further questioning. Upon arrival at the station, Child Protective Services (CPS) was notified due to the victim being a minor and the incident involving domestic violence.

Officers interviewed the victim at the substation. The victim stated that the suspect grabbed her by her hair and struck her in the eye area twice with his right hand. She further stated that she attempted to block most of the blows with her hands, which she believed prevented serious injury. The victim noted that this was not the first time she had been assaulted by her brother and that such incidents had been occurring since the death of their mother.

When asked about the cause of the incident, the victim stated that the suspect became angry because he did not want her to leave the house to attend church.

According to the victim, the suspect wanted her to remain at home to care for their elderly grandfather. The victim stated that she refused to stay home and instead prepared to go to church. At that time, the suspect began yelling Samoan profanities and approached her aggressively before striking her while she was seated inside the home.

The victim confirmed that she and the suspect reside together in the same household. She also stated that she feared future assaults if the situation was not addressed.

Officers examined the victim for visible injuries. No visible injuries were observed at the time of the interview. The victim stated she was experiencing pain but did not request medical attention.

CPS personnel later arrived at the LPS where the victim’s father was present as her legal guardian. After consultation, CPS took custody of the victim for her protection due to her age and the nature of the domestic violence incident.

Officers Mirandized the suspect where he indicated that he understood his rights but refused to provide a statement regarding the incident.

Based on the witness statement, victim statement, and officer observations, the suspect was placed under arrest for domestic assault. The suspect was booked and confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility pending the next sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 20-year-old U.S national.

[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]