Young man allegedly threatens to kill his older brother

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On June 21, 2025, a call came into the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) from a mother seeking assistance regarding her younger son who was allegedly causing a disturbance, which was later reported to also include a death threat against his older brother.

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; and,

Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree (As a C. Misd.) (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300, or both.

The defendant’s bail is set at $500.

According to the court affidavit, on June 21st, at about 6:50 p.m, TPS received a call from a woman who reported that Benjamin Sene (suspect) was allegedly causing a disturbance and threatening his brother (victim) with a machete.

After receiving the call, authorities proceeded to the scene, and met up with the victim and the suspect’s mother. The mother appeared distressed.

She verbally stated that the suspect asked her for money but she refused, and as a result, Benjamin retaliated immediately and started to yell out profanities and throw things around the house.

Her other son intervened and asked his brother to stop. However, Benjamin, who was holding a machete, threatened to kill him while pointing the machete at him.

After interviewing both parties, the suspect was transported to the TPS for further investigation.

Upon arrival at the station, the suspect was Mirandized to which he understood and refused to make a statement.

He was booked and confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility to await the next sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 24-year-old citizen of Samoa.