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Man accused of attempted murder found competent to stand trial

American Samoa District Court building
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The man charged with attempted murder and first degree assault for allegedly trying to slice his sponsor's throat while he lay sleeping, has been found competent by a doctor who examined him.

Savelio Vaimoe a.k.a. Seumau appeared in District Court yesterday morning for a status hearing on his mental health evaluation.

The court was informed by attorneys from both sides that the physician who examined the defendant has determined that Vaimoe has no mental illness and he is competent to stand trial.

Vaimoe is scheduled for a preliminary examination next Wednesday, Feb. 27

Because of his illegal immigration status — his ID expired July 23, 2018 —  Vaimoe is being held in custody at the TCF without bail.

The charges against Vaimoe stem from an incident in Faleniu where he is alleged to have become upset when his sponsor refused to give him a portion of an $11,000 FEMA check that was issued for damages caused by Tropical Cyclone Gita to the home occupied by Vaimoe and his family, and to which he had allegedly made repairs.