Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On February 28, 2026, a concerned mother contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) to report that her son allegedly threatened to kill his stepfather in the village of Nu’uuli.

The suspect, Arona Amituana’i was arrested and later charged with Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine not more than $500, or both imprisonment and fine.

There was no bail indicated for the defendant.

According to the court affidavit, the incident was first reported at approximately 9:52 a.m., by a concerned mother requesting immediate police assistance.

She reported that her son, Arona, was acting aggressively at their residence and had threatened to cut his stepfather into pieces with a knife. The report indicated that the situation had escalated to a point where family members feared for their safety.

Responding officers were dispatched to the residence and upon arrival, found that Mr. Amituana’i had already fled the scene. The officers immediately began searching the surrounding areas in an effort to locate him.

Patrol efforts extended from the Nu’uuli area through the Faga’ima intersection and toward the Tafuna intersection, but the defendant was not located during the initial response.

Police remained on scene to conduct interviews, including with the victim, the reporting party, and a daughter who was present at the residence at the time of the incident.

The victim told police that earlier in the day, Amituana’i had been acting in a disruptive and aggressive manner inside the home. He alleged that Amituana’i entered the house while he was eating in the dining area, prepared food for himself, and then left without incident.

However, sometime later, the situation changed.

The victim reported hearing a loud crashing noise coming from a nearby shack constructed with aluminum roofing sheets. Shortly after, Amituana’i allegedly began shouting profanities and behaving erratically. He started throwing rocks at the house and continued yelling aggressively. During this outburst, Amituana’i allegedly made a direct and violent threat towards the victim, stating that he would “cut him into pieces with a knife.”

The victim told officers that he feared for his life due to the seriousness of the threat and the defendant’s aggressive behavior.

The affidavit also stated that the reporting party was not present when the initial disturbance occurred. She stated that she had been at a laundromat and only learned of the situation upon returning home, when the victim informed her of what had taken place. Concerned that the situation could escalate further, she immediately contacted police.

The reporter also expressed concern about ongoing tensions within the household, as Amituana’i has a history of being disrespectful towards the victim (stepfather) and often displayed hostility, which she believes stems from the fact that the victim is not his biological father.

The daughter, who was also interviewed by police, corroborated parts of the account.

She explained that she was outside doing laundry when the incident occurred but was aware of the ongoing conflict between Amituana’i and the victim. She told officers that Amituana’i has long shown resentment towards the victim and lacks respect for him.

Police cleared the scene after the initial investigation but remained alert for any further developments.

Later that same day, at approximately 2:17 p.m., authorities received a second call reporting that Amituana’i had returned to the residence and was once again causing a disturbance.

He was observed throwing rocks at the roof of the home, creating loud noises and further alarming the occupants inside. Officers responded to the second call and returned to the residence. Upon arrival, they observed Amituana’i seated in the garage area of the home and he was holding a glass bottle at the time officers approached him.

Police made contact with Amituana’i and informed him that there was an outstanding arrest warrant for him related to a prior incident. Officers advised him that he was required to comply with the arrest.

Amituana’i did not resist arrest at that time, and officers were able to take him into custody without further incident. He was transported to the TPS for processing.

Following the booking process, Amituana’i was transferred to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he remains confined pending the next sitting of the District Court.

The affidavit further notes that this incident is not believed to be isolated. Based on the totality of the circumstances — including the alleged threat, witness statements, and the defendant’s actions before and after fleeing the scene — authorities determined there is probable cause to proceed with charges against Amituana’i.

The defendant is identified as a 38-year-old U.S National.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on March 3, 2026.

[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.]