Domestic dispute lands both parties in jail

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On May 5, 2025, police received a call regarding a domestic dispute between a couple.

The couple, Solofua Mauga and Natalia Lutu, were later arrested and charged with:

Count 1: Public Peace Disturbance (DV), a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500, or both imprisonment and fine; 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, or both.

There was no set bail for Solofua Mauga, however, Natalia Lutu’s bail was set at $1,000.

According to the court affidavit, on May 5th, Mr. Mauga (suspect #1) and Ms. Lutu (suspect #2) had a verbal argument, where they were yelling profanities at each other and throwing things around inside the residence. The disturbance alarmed Solofua’s family — as the residence is located on his family’s land.

Solofua’s uncle (the victim) apparently went to the residence and chased both suspects out of the house but they refused to leave.

The investigation also revealed that Natalia (suspect #2) allegedly assaulted Solofua when she grabbed him by his shirt and punched him several times.

The victim then chased the couple out of the house for the second time, and Solofua cursed out both his uncle and aunt. The matter was reported by the victim’s wife.

The investigation also revealed that the disturbance has been an ongoing domestic issue where the suspects fight and break things inside the Solofua’s family guest house. The fights and loud arguments would also alarm the neighbors.

The officers responding to the domestic call were told by the reporter upon arrival that the couple causing the disturbance had fled the scene. She explained that her husband (victim) lives ten feet away from the family guest house where the couple stay.

She claimed that they heard the couple arguing and breaking things inside the house. Her husband walked to the guest house and told the couple to leave the house.

The reporter continued that Natalia left the house while Solofua was still yelling profanities at her. Natalia then went back into the house and started punching Solofua in the face while holding him by the neck of his shirt.

She also mentioned that nearby neighbors came out of their homes to see what was going on.

Her husband chased out the couple whereas they both walked out and Solofua was yelling profanities at her husband. Solufua also threatened the victim and told him to watch what he was going to do to him as he walked away.

Descriptions of both suspects were given by the reporter.

The couple was observed at the bus stop next to Misa’s store where they were apprehended and transported to the police station for further investigation.

Authorities were also able to interview a witness. He stated that he came home from volleyball and didn’t know the suspects were home. He heard voices coming from somewhere and thought it was coming from his uncle’s house. He went to the guest house and saw the couple arguing and cursing at each other. His uncle chased the suspects out and he saw Natalia assault Solofua, while they were told to leave. The witness said that Solofua yelled profanities at his uncle and aunt, and was very disrespectful.

Upon arrival at the station, Natalia was Mirandized to which she understood and agreed to make a statement. She stated that she and her boyfriend had a verbal argument and her boyfriend’s uncle got involved. Her boyfriend got mad and cursed out his uncle. Natalia also claimed that she did not assault Solofua or break anything in the house.

On the other hand, Solofua refused to be Mirandized and refused to make a statement.

Both suspects were booked and confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility to await the next available sitting of the District Court.

Solofua Mauga is identified as a 32-year old U.S National; and Natalia Lutu is identified as a 23-year old U.S National.