Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On November 18, 2024, a victim contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) and stated that her brother was allegedly coming after her with a knife and she feared for her life.

The defendant was arrested and later charged with:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300 but not less than $150, or both; and,

Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300 but not less than $150, or both.

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

According to the court affidavit, on Nov. 18th, at about 2:42 p.m., a female individual (later identified as the victim) called the TPS claiming that she feared for her life and had locked herself in her bedroom.

Police officers responded to the call and upon arrival at the scene, a man (later identified as Michael Tunoa (defendant) was sitting in the front porch of the victim’s house.

The officers called the victim and she exited her room and made her way to the officers.

According to the victim, she arrived home and saw her brother with a knife. He approached her with the knife and yelled profanities. Her brother then allegedly threatened to choke her and cut her neck with the knife. She quickly made her way to her room and locked herself in.

The victim also stated that this is an ongoing issue with the defendant who constantly threatens her and her sister. The victim’s sister was also contacted for further information.

The defendant was also interviewed at the scene where he stated “he did not know what happened”. He claimed he heard voices and he calmed down when the police arrived.

The defendant was booked upon arrival at the station and transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility to be confined while awaiting the next available sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 44-year-old U.S citizen.