Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On May 24, 2026, a victim of an alleged domestic dispute called the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) and reported that she was allegedly assaulted by her cousin, Keneti Sionesini.

The suspect was later arrested and charged with:

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 $1,000 but not less than $150, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

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.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to court records, local police responded to the residence around 5:00 a.m., after receiving the report. The investigation later revealed that the defendant and the victim are cousins who reside in the same household.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found the victim outside a neighboring residence. She was visibly emotional and crying as she spoke with police. Officers immediately inquired whether she required medical attention, but she declined treatment.

The victim directed officers to the residence where the defendant was reportedly located with his mother. Investigators approached the home while taking precautions to ensure the defendant could not leave the area unnoticed.

After repeated attempts to make contact, an elderly woman inside the residence responded and allowed officers to enter. Upon entering the home, officers found Sionesini seated on a couch while holding a newborn child.

The encounter initially remained calm, although Sionesini questioned why officers were inside the residence and asserted that they required a warrant. Officers informed him that permission to enter had been granted by the homeowner.

Police subsequently separated the parties in order to conduct interviews and determine what had occurred. The investigation revealed that the altercation stemmed from a disagreement involving visitors brought to the residence during the early morning hours.

The victim stated that shortly before the assault, Sionesini arrived home while under the influence of alcohol accompanied by two male friends and a female companion.

She told investigators that she reminded him of instructions previously given by his bedridden mother, who had requested that visitors not be brought into the home.

The reminder allegedly angered Sionesini and led to an argument inside the residence.

During the confrontation, Sionesini allegedly punched the victim multiple times with closed fists. The victim reported being struck five times before the violence escalated further. She stated that she was then thrown against a kitchen counter on two separate occasions. The force of the impacts allegedly caused her considerable pain and left her shaken.

The assault allegedly continued when she was thrown onto a bed located in the living room area of the residence. Before walking away, Sionesini allegedly approached her and forcefully gripped her jaw.

Investigators learned that the confrontation occurred while other individuals were present inside the home. The victim stated that after the physical altercation ended, she could hear Sionesini arguing with his mother.

The victim further informed police that this was not the first violent incident involving Sionesini. She reported that he had assaulted her on a previous occasion after she arrived in American Samoa in 2024.

The woman told investigators that she had traveled from Samoa to assist in caring for Sionesini's elderly mother, who is bedridden and requires assistance. She expressed disappointment that the living arrangement had become increasingly difficult and stated that she now hoped to save enough money to return home with her newborn child.

The investigation also revealed that Sionesini serves as the primary caregiver for his mother. Family members reportedly share responsibilities associated with caring for the elderly woman, which has occasionally created tension within the household.

Officers documented visible injuries consistent with the victim's account of the incident. Police observed swelling around her left cheekbone and discoloration near her left eye. Although the injuries were visible, the victim again declined medical treatment and stated that she felt capable of caring for herself and her child.

Investigators also interviewed an eyewitness who was present during the altercation. The witness reported seeing the confrontation unfold and attempted to intervene before the situation escalated further. The witness confirmed observing the victim being punched and thrown against household furniture during the dispute.

The witness's account largely corroborated the statements provided by the victim and helped investigators establish a timeline of events.

During the course of the investigation, officers observed indicators that alcohol had likely played a role in the incident. Sionesini reportedly emitted a strong odor of alcohol, and alcoholic beverages were observed inside the residence.

Police later transported Sionesini to the TPS for further questioning and processing.

At the station, investigators attempted to advise him of his constitutional rights. However, Sionesini declined to provide a statement and informed officers that he wished to consult with an attorney before answering questions.

The investigation concluded later that day, and Sionesini was formally booked on charges stemming from the alleged assault. He was subsequently transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he remained in custody pending his appearance before the District Court.

The case remains pending before the court.

Sionesini is identified as a 37-year-old citizen of Samoa.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on June 01, 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.]