Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On August 5, 2026, local authorities responded to a residence in Nu'uuli after a woman allegedly threatened several family members during a disturbance, including a threat to slit their throats with a machete. 

The suspect, identified as Racey Ma’ai was later arrested and charged with Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of not more than $300, or both imprisonment and fine.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to the court affidavit, officers responded to the residence and upon arrival, the officers could hear a commotion coming from inside the home.

The officers entered the residence and made contact with the reporting party, who directed them to the location of the suspect. Officers subsequently apprehended her and placed her inside the police vehicle.

Police reported that Racey remained disorderly during her apprehension and repeatedly shouted profanities at the responding officers.

Following the arrest, officers interviewed the reporting party and other family members regarding what had led to the disturbance.

According to the report, Racey's sister told police that the confrontation had begun earlier that morning when Racey allegedly directed profanities at their mother.

The victim stated that their father intervened and told Racey to stop and to be mindful of how she was speaking to their mother. However, Racey allegedly refused to listen and continued yelling at members of the household.

The situation reportedly resurfaced later in the day when Racey's older brother returned home from work and learned about the earlier incident.

The suspect’s brother confronted Racey about what had happened that morning, reportedly causing Racey to become angry again and begin yelling at family members.

During the argument, Racey allegedly threatened her sister, her brother and their father, telling them that she would slit their throats with a machete.The reported threat prompted the family to seek police assistance.

The suspect’s brother also provided police with a statement concerning the incident. According to his account, he came home from work and was informed by his younger sister about the disturbance that had occurred earlier in the morning. He said he subsequently approached Racey and confronted her about the matter.

During the confrontation, he was reportedly surprised when Racey allegedly threatened to slit his throat, as well as the throats of his sister and their father with a machete.

The family then contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) for assistance.

Both the suspect’s brother and sister reportedly told police that the incident was not the first time Racey had displayed similar behavior. However, they indicated that previous incidents had not been reported to law enforcement.

After interviewing the family members, officers transported Racey to the TPS for further investigation.

At the station, Racey was Mirandized and indicated that she understood her rights and waived them before agreeing to provide a statement.

During her interview, Racey gave a different account of the confrontation. She reportedly told police that she became angry with her brother after he came home and disturbed her peace while confronting her about the earlier incident.

Racey also alleged that her brother slapped her during the confrontation.

Regarding the alleged threats, Racey reportedly acknowledged that she did threaten to slit the throats of her brother, sister and father. However, she told investigators that the statements were made only to scare them and that she did not mean them.

Following the interviews, Racey was booked and confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility pending the next available sitting of the District Court.

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

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on August 06, 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.]