Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On June 10, 2026, a woman in distress called the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) and reported that her stepson allegedly threatened to kill her during an altercation outside her residence in Aua.

The defendant, Sione Pulou, was later arrested and charged with:

Count 1: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine not to exceed $300, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2: Private Peace Disturbance, a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine not to exceed $300, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to the court affidavit, police responded to the call and upon arrival at approximately 11:59 a.m., officers observed a visibly distressed woman sitting beside a grave and crying. Police described her as terrified and anguished.

Officers approached the woman and conducted an interview regarding what had occurred.

According to the victim, she had returned home after checking her mail in Fagatogo when she noticed a vehicle parked outside the residence. She saw the defendant gathering and loading his belongings into the vehicle.

The victim told investigators she approached the defendant and reminded him about tax refund money involving her youngest daughter and her grandchildren.

The victim stated that the defendant had allegedly claimed his daughter's children on his tax return, an issue that had apparently become a source of tension between the parties.

The victim said that as soon as she brought up the subject, the defendant became angry and began yelling at her. According to her statement, the defendant directed profanities at her and then allegedly threatened to kill her by cutting off her head with a machete and causing further bodily harm.

The victim told police that the defendant continued making threats as he prepared to leave the property.

Moreover, the defendant allegedly warned the victim that if he returned and discovered the locks on the house had been changed, he would damage the residence and kill her.

The victim stated that after making those comments, the defendant got into the vehicle and drove away.

Although he had left the area, the victim told officers she remained frightened by the threats and immediately contacted police for assistance.

Witness Corroborates Threats

During the investigation, the victim informed officers that another individual had witnessed part of the confrontation.

The witness was later interviewed by police and reportedly confirmed hearing the argument.

According to the witness, she was walking past the victim's residence when she overheard a conversation regarding tax refund money.

The witness reported hearing the defendant become angry and yell profanities at the victim, and the defendant threatening the victim while warning her not to change the locks on the residence.

The witness explained that she later returned to the area to retrieve her identification card and again heard the defendant yelling threats at the victim before driving away.

Following the interview, the witness provided a written statement to investigators.

Police noted that the witness' account was generally consistent with the statement provided by the victim.

Search for Defendant

After obtaining information from the victim and witness, officers began searching for the defendant.

The victim informed police that the defendant may have traveled eastbound in a large gray pickup truck, equipped with a push bumper on the front. Officers subsequently patrolled the eastern district in an effort to locate the vehicle.

Police eventually observed a truck matching the description parked in front of a residence in Alofau.

Investigators approached an individual outside the residence and inquired whether the defendant was inside. The individual reportedly informed officers that the defendant was inside the house.

Police then requested assistance in having the defendant come outside. The defendant complied and was escorted from the residence without incident.

After being informed about the complaint made by the victim, the defendant was placed in a police vehicle and transported to the FPS for further questioning.

According to police, the defendant was advised of his constitutional rights in the Samoan language, to which Pulou indicated that he understood those rights and voluntarily agreed to waive them in order to provide a statement.

During questioning, the defendant admitted that an argument had occurred between him and his stepmother in Aua.

Police reported that the defendant acknowledged yelling at the victim and threatening to kill her.

Furthermore, the defendant also admitted threatening to cut off the victim's head with a machete and further acknowledged that he told her he would damage the house if it was locked when he returned. When asked why he made the statements, the defendant explained that he was angry because his stepmother kept asking him about his tax refund money.

Police later obtained a written statement from the defendant documenting his account of the incident.

Following the interview, officers processed and booked him at the station.

Victim Expresses Fear for Her Safety

While the defendant was being processed, investigators conducted a follow-up interview with the victim in order to obtain additional information.

During the interview, the victim explained her relationship to the defendant and the circumstances leading up to the incident.

According to the affidavit, the victim stated that she had been married to the defendant's father, who has since passed away.

She explained that she observed the defendant loading his belongings into a vehicle and asked him where he was going. The defendant reportedly informed her that he was moving to stay with relatives on his mother's side of the family in Alofau.

The victim then asked about his tax refund check and advised him that money should be provided to the children he had claimed on his taxes.

The victim told investigators that the defendant immediately became angry and began yelling profanities and threats.

She stated that the defendant repeatedly threatened to kill her and continued shouting as he prepared to leave.

According to police, the victim expressed serious concern that the defendant might carry out his threats. She informed investigators that she feared for her life and wanted police intervention to prevent any further escalation.

Prior Criminal History Discussed

The affidavit also details information obtained by investigators regarding the defendant's criminal history.

Police records reportedly revealed that the defendant had previous encounters with the criminal justice system.

According to the records reviewed by investigators, the defendant was charged in 2006 with offenses including trespassing, stealing, and third-degree property damage.

The records further showed that in 2015 he was charged with first-degree assault, first-degree burglary, and trespassing.

During the investigation, police also questioned the defendant regarding previous periods of incarceration.

The defendant admitted that he had previously been confined for stabbing another person.

The victim likewise informed investigators that the defendant had served time in prison on prior occasions. She reportedly told police that one of those cases involved the stabbing of a woman.

Investigators documented those statements as part of their review of the defendant's background.

Residence Owned by Relative Living Off-Island

Court documents also provide additional information regarding the property where the confrontation occurred.

The residence is owned by a pastor who is related to the victim and currently resides off-island.

The defendant had previously lived at the residence with his father and the victim.

However, following the death of his father, the defendant no longer resided there on a permanent basis.

Police noted that the defendant had returned to the property on the day of the incident in order to collect personal belongings that remained at the residence.

Investigators believe the argument developed while the defendant was in the process of removing those items from the property.

Confined Pending Court Proceedings

Following the completion of the investigation and booking process, the defendant was transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility. He remained confined pending his appearance before the District Court and any further proceedings in the matter.

The defendant is identified as a 47-year-old U.S National.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on June 11, 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.]