Man arrested after threatening his wife — demanded to see his children

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On June 13, 2025, a concerned mother called the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) and reported an alleged domestic dispute between her daughter and her husband.

The suspect was 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 $300, or both imprisonment and fine;

Count 2: Trespass (DV), a class B misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to $500, or both; and,

Count 3: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $3,000.

(Samoa News has withheld the names of those involved to protect the identities of the victim and minors involved in this case.)

According to the court affidavit, on June 13th, at around 12:15 a.m., a woman (later identified as the reporter) contacted the TPS and reported that her daughter’s husband (later identified as the suspect) was “banging on their door and windows while trying to get inside their residence.”

Police officers responded to the call and upon arrival at the scene, they met with the reporter who stated that the suspect could still be in the area.

Authorities searched the scene and found the suspect next to a nearby shed with a knife. The suspect was apprehended and placed inside the police unit.

Police met with the victim, who was the wife of the suspect.

According to the victim, “the suspect came to see his kids but she refused as he had been in jail for another case between them”. She elaborated that the suspect was banging on the doors and windows of their residence while wielding a knife. The suspect also threatened that he would kill her and the kids if he didn't get to see them.

The officers also interviewed the reporter where she stated that the suspect was trying to get into the house and caused a ruckus by yelling and banging on the house.

A witness was also interviewed and stated that the suspect was knocking on the doors and windows with a knife in his hand. She also said that the suspect threatened to kill the victim if she didn’t let him see the kids.

The suspect was transported to the TPS where he was booked and confined.

The affidavit also noted that the suspect later claimed that he only did what he did because he wanted to see his kids. It also stated that the suspect and victim are currently married but separated. The victim had a restraining order against the suspect, however it recently expired.

The victim made it clear to the suspect that he is not permitted to visit.

The defendant is identified as a 32-year-old citizen of Samoa.