Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On November 10, 2024, a female individual contacted the Tafuna Police Substation to report an alleged assault on her cousin by her boyfriend.

The 50 year-old suspect, Matagofie Talamoa was later arrested and charged with Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance, a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $1,000.

According to the affidavit, on Nov. 10th, at around 6:36 p.m., a female individual (reporter) contacted the TPS to report a domestic violence incident that occurred on November 9th. The female individual also informed the authorities that the victim was at her residence.

Police officers responded to the call and upon arrival at the reporter’s house, they met up with the victim.

According to the victim, she was beaten up by her boyfriend on Nov. 9th at around 12:00 p.m. She explained that on that day, she was getting ready for work and she asked her boyfriend about her niece’s documents. Her boyfriend replied that he doesn’t want to stay with her anymore. She replied that “she’s going to lock him up regarding the many things he’s been doing that she knows about.”

The victim stated that what she said triggered his anger and he grabbed a suitcase and threw it at her and hit her head. Next, he proceeded to punch her in the face countless times causing her to bleed from the mouth as she was gasping for air and yelling out for help.

She stated that she felt like she was going to die and when she tried to stand up, her boyfriend sat her down and told her that he’s thinking of tying her up with a rope. He then threatened to block the windows to darken up the room and make her stay in there until she died. He instructed her not to leave the room.

The victim claimed that she couldn’t leave the house nor contact the police because she was afraid that the suspect was going to beat her up again.

She said that the suspect asked her to make dinner and she told him they have beef stew but she’ll make rice. Her boyfriend then told her that he didn’t want to eat that and threatened to break her mouth and then he went to sleep.

The victim then explained that when the suspect fell asleep, she managed to escape from the house and went straight to her cousin’s house where the matter was reported to the TPS.

The victim had bruises on her right eye, under her chin and on the right side of her lips. Her left eye was swollen and was also pooling blood. Medical assistance was requested at the TPS where the victim was transported to be treated and for further investigation.

The officers also contacted the Social Services for assistance to keep the victim safe until it’s safe for her to return home.

Several attempts were made to locate the suspect however the affidavit did not state when and where the suspect was apprehended.

The defendant is identified as a 50-year-old U.S National.