Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On August 7, 2026, a concerned citizen contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) and reported a domestic dispute that allegedly led to the assault of a pregnant woman by her husband. 

The suspect was later arrested for assaulting his wife, after he was caught in a separate burglary incident at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC). 

The suspect was 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; and
Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up t0 one year, a fine not to exceed $1,000, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

(Samoa News has withheld the names of those involved to protect the identities of the minors in this case.)

According to the court records, police received a report at approximately 10:45 a.m. regarding an alleged assault at a residence in Mapusaga.

The caller reportedly informed police that the suspect had assaulted his wife (victim #1)before leaving the residence in a vehicle.

Local authorities responded to the residence to investigate the matter and upon arrival, they observed an elderly woman exiting the residence and walking toward them. The woman appeared frightened and visibly distressed.

Police interviewed the woman (later identified as victim #2), who told officers that she was present during the alleged assault.

According to her statement, the suspect went to the bedroom where his wife, who was nine months pregnant, and their one-year-old daughter were sleeping. Victim #2 stated that victim #1 did not immediately open the door because she and the child were asleep. However, when victim #1 eventually opened the bedroom door, the suspect allegedly approached her and slapped her in the face.The force of the alleged assault reportedly caused victim #1 to lose her balance and fall backward hitting the her side against the corner of a window frame.

Victim #2 stated that she attempted to intervene and hold the suspect back from victim #1, but, the suspect turned towards her and allegedly attempted to slap her as well, although no contact was made.

Victim #2 continued that the couple's one-year-old child was present in the room and roaming around while the alleged assault was taking place. She also told police that victim #1 is mute and communicates using sign language.

Court documents state that victim #2 exited the house to meet up with police officers. It reports that she appeared visibly shaken, frightened, and distressed; and,  was allegedly crying when officers spoke with her, outside the house.

Officers asked if she needed medical assistance, in which she responded using sign language that was interpreted for her to officers by her sister. She allegedly replied that she was okay did not need medical help.

Her interview continued with the help of her sister — interpreting the sign language. Victim #1 allegedly told police that the suspect assaulted her inside their bedroom, while their one-year-old child was present. He reportedly slapped her approximately four times on her cheek, causing her to fall backward and striking her lower back waist area against the wooden window sill and window.

The victim also reportedly told officers that the Aug. 7 incident was not the first time she had allegedly been assaulted by the suspect. Photos were taken of the room.

Police advised her to seek medical attention and visit the hospital for a checkup, particularly in light of her pregnancy and the injuries she reportedly sustained during the incident.

After securing the scene, officers left the residence at approximately 11:45 a.m.

SEPARATE INCIDENT AT ASCC

At around 10:50 a.m. police who were at the domestic incident, also received a report from the ASCC concerning two male individuals who were allegedly trespassing on the ASCC campus and in the process of taking property owned by the college. 

According to the report, police responded to the ASCC call at approximately 11:50 a.m. Upon arriving at the college, officers reportedly identified the same man from the earlier domestic violence investigation as one of the individuals involved in the ASCC incident.

The suspect was subsequently taken into custody and transported to the TPS at approximately 12:15 p.m.

Court documents state that the suspect was placed in the station lobby while officers attempted to advise him of his constitutional rights.

The suspect, who also communicates through sign language, reportedly indicated that he did not understand what was being communicated to him.

Police then brought in a family member, who was also involved in the separate ASCC matter, to assist with interpreting the suspect's constitutional rights through sign language.

After his rights were interpreted, the suspect acknowledged them and indicated that he did not wish to make a statement to police.

The suspect was later booked and processed at the TPS and then transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he was held pending further court proceedings.

The government is expected to also proceed with charges related to the alleged ASCC incident, but currently has only filed charges concerning the domestic violence issue.

The defendant is identified as a 30-year-old citizen of Fiji.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on August 10, 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.]