Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On July 3, 2026, a man called the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) and reported that his sister allegedly assaulted their 83-year-old father inside their home in Iliiili.

The suspect was later arrested and charged with:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of up to $300, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree (DV) (Class A Misd.), a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $1,000.

According to the court documents, TPS received a call at approximately 4:45 p.m., from a man from Pava'ia'i, who reported that his sister, Martina Correia (hereinafter the defendant), had physically assaulted their 83-year-old father, (hereinafter the victim), inside their family residence located in Ili'ili.

Upon receiving the complaint, authorities immediately responded to the location. Upon arrival, officers conducted a search of the surrounding area and located the defendant inside an abandoned open structure situated near the residence.

Officers made contact with the defendant, identified themselves as police officers, and informed her that they were investigating an allegation that she had assaulted the victim.

Immediately after being informed of the allegation, the defendant became verbally aggressive and refused to cooperate with officers' lawful commands. She continuously yelled profanities and made incoherent and unnecessary statements towards the responding officers.

Due to her increasingly combative behavior and for officer safety, authorities escorted the defendant out of the abandoned structure. However, while officers attempted to place the defendant into custody, she actively resisted by pulling her arms away and refusing to comply with commands to place her hands behind her back.

Officers were forced to secure her against the right rear passenger side of DPS Unit 67 in order to safely place handcuffs on her wrists. Once restrained, the defendant continued yelling and resisting, but officers were eventually able to gain control of the situation without further incident.

After the defendant was secured, one of the responding officers made contact with the reporting party, who was instructed to report to the TPS to provide a formal written statement regarding the incident.

The officers also met with the victim at the TPS, where he voluntarily provided a statement regarding the events leading to the assault.

VICTIM'S STATEMENT

The victim stated that earlier that afternoon he went to visit the defendant to provide her with food and cigarettes. According to the victim, after receiving the items, the defendant demanded money from him. When he informed her that he did not have any money, the defendant became angry, began screaming at him, approached him, and repeatedly punched him.

The victim further stated that this was not the first time the defendant had assaulted him. He recalled a previous incident in which she punched him in the face. Due to the repeated assaults and the defendant's unpredictable behavior, the victim stated that he feared for his safety and believes his life is in danger whenever she becomes angry.

He requested that police arrest the defendant and keep her incarcerated for his protection.

Officers observed that the victim did not appear to have any visible injuries. He declined medical treatment and advised that he did not require transportation to the hospital.

During the investigation, the victim’s son informed officers that the defendant suffers from mental health issues and has exhibited unstable behavior for some time. Based on this information, responding officers requested Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to conduct a medical assessment.

EMS personnel responded and reviewed their available records. They advised officers that, to the best of their knowledge, the defendant had never previously been admitted to the hospital or treated by their service for mental health concerns.

Following their assessment, EMS did not transport the defendant for further medical evaluation.

Based on the victim's statement, the witness information, and the officers' observations at the scene, officers determined that probable cause existed to place the defendant under arrest for assaulting her elderly father.

The defendant was transported to the TPS for processing without further incident.

Upon completion of booking procedures, she was transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility (TCF), where she was confined pending her initial appearance before the District Court.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on July 06, 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.]