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Man threatens to cut woman with machete if she doesn’t shut up

American Samoa District Court building
ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man who allegedly told his neighbor to shut up before he cuts her with a knife has been told by the court to keep the peace within his village and refrain from making threats towards his neighbor especially to the victim and her family.

Daniel Filisi is charged with public peace disturbance and endangering the welfare of a child. He made his initial appearance in District Court last week where he entered a 'not guilty' plea to the charges against him.

Filisi is represented by Assistant Public Defender Bob Stuart while Assistant Attorney General, Jason Mitchell is prosecuting the case.

Stuart asked the court to release his client on his own recognizance, saying he’s a first time offender; he isn't a flight risk; and he is not a danger to society.

Anderson pointed out that the alleged incident occurred in Nuuuli, and his client can reside with his parents in Malaeimi.

Prosecutor Mitchell echoed the defense’s verbal motion to release Filisi on his own recognizance, but under the condition that he stay away from the victim and her family.

The court released Filisi on his own recognizance, subject to the usual conditions, including not to be in possession of any weapons including knives and guns, or any other form of deadly weapon that can cause harm to others.

THE CASE

According to the government’s case, the victim contacted police for assistance after  her neighbor, the defendant, allegedly came over to her house and started yelling profanities at her and her young siblings, even threatening to cut them with a machete.

Upon arrival at the scene, responding officers noticed that there was no commotion, everything was calm. They were able to speak to the victim who told them that she was cutting up chicken with her sister when Filisi walked into their home and asked them what is it they did to him.

The victim said she told Filisi that she didn't know what he was talking about.

According to the government, it was at that time that Filisi allegedly told his neighbor to shut up before he cuts her with a knife.

The victim’s sister told Filisi to leave the premises and if he didn't, they were going to call the police. Filisi allegedly responded that he doesn't care about the police, and left.

The victim told police this was not the first time the defendant has done this. According to her, the first alleged incident was a threat made over the phone, when Filisi called her and told her that there were two options: he was going to beat up both of her parents, or he was going to kill everyone who lives in their house.

When police asked the victim where they could find the defendant, the victim said Filisi also lives with his other family in Malaeimi.

Police observed a sedan that matched the description given by  the victim; and when cops approached the male driver, he identified himself as Daniel Filisi.

When questioned by police, investigators say they could smell a strong odor of alcohol on Filisi’s breath.