Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On January 6, 2026, police received a report at approximately 9:28 a.m. from a woman who stated that her husband had threatened her with a machete and strangled her during an argument inside their home in the early morning hours.

The defendant was charged with the following:

Count 1: Assault in the Third Degree (DV) - a class A misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed one year, a fine of not more than $1000 but not less than $150, or both such imprisonment and fine;

Count 2: Private Peace Disturbance (DV) - a class C misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed fifteen days, a fine of not more than $300 but not less than $150, or both such imprisonment and fine;

Count 3: False Imprisonment - a class A misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed one year, a fine of not more than $1000 but not less than $150, or both such imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 4: Endangering the Welfare of a Child (DV) - a class A misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed one year, a fine of not more than $1000 but not less than $150, or both such imprisonment and fine.

Defendant was held without bail.

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

According to the affidavit filed in District Court on January 7, 2026, officers responded to the call and met the victim outside her home. She directed them inside and pointed out the bedroom where the suspect was sleeping. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and placed into a police vehicle while officers remained with the victim to obtain her statement.

The incident is said to have occurred during the early morning hours at approximately 1:00 a.m., during a period when the village experienced repeated power outages that lasted until around 3:00 a.m. Because landline service was not functioning at the time, the victim was unable to contact police immediately after the incident.

The victim explained that she ran to a neighbor’s house for safety and stayed there for the remainder of the night. She later contacted police in the morning after being advised by the neighbor to report what had occurred.

The victim told officers that she had been putting her two-year-old child to sleep when her husband began pacing back and forth between the kitchen and their bedroom. She said he repeatedly questioned her about another man being inside the room with her. She denied that anyone else was present, but the suspect continued to accuse her.

The suspect then returned to the bedroom holding a machete and again questioned the victim about another man being inside the room. The victim said she denied the accusation, at which point the suspect allegedly grabbed her by the throat while she was holding their child.

The victim said she began gasping for air and feared she would lose consciousness. She stated that the suspect released her only after their young child screamed in fear.

The victim further reported that the suspect strangled her twice during the incident. The first time lasted several seconds, while the second strangulation lasted longer and caused her to struggle for breath. She added that the suspect pointed the machete at her while making verbal threats and continued to accuse her of infidelity.

The affidavit notes that although the victim did not show visible injuries or bruising, she was visibly shaken and emotionally distressed when officers arrived. She declined medical treatment but was advised to seek medical attention to ensure her safety.

The victim also informed officers that the suspect had been using illegal drugs, including marijuana and methamphetamine (meth), and that she believed his behavior was influenced by substance abuse.

She told officers this was the first time her husband had physically assaulted her but said similar behavior had been occurring for several days prior.

The residence where the incident occurred belongs to the victim’s family. The affidavit states that her mother currently resides off-island and her father is deceased.

The suspect was transported to the police station for further investigation.

Officers advised the defendant of his constitutional rights, which he said he understood.

During questioning, the suspect admitted that he believed his wife was having an extramarital affair. He told officers that when she denied his accusation, he became angry and choked her.

The suspect was later booked and transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he remains in custody pending the next available sitting of the District Court.

The suspect is identified as a 28-year-old US 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]