Police officers respond to alleged threat to woman in Matu’u

By Samoa News staff reporters@samoanews.com Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On April 1, 2026, a victim of a domestic dispute called the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) and reported that her former boyfriend, Penetekoso Maligi, allegedly threatened to kill her. The suspect was later arrested and charged with: Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class B misdemeanor, a penalty enhancement by one class above the class otherwise provided (class C misdemeanor); Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class B misdemeanor, a penalty enhancement by one class above the class otherwise provided (class C misdemeanor); Count 3: Trespass (DV), a class A misdemeanor, a penalty enhancement by one class above the class otherwise provided (class B misdemeanor); Count 4: Stalking (DV), a class A misdemeanor, a penalty enhancement b y one class above the class otherwise provided (class B misdemeanor); and, Count 5: Burglary in the First Degree (DV), a class A felony, a penalty enhancement by one class above the class otherwise provided (class B felony). The defendant is to be held without bail. According to the court affidavit, a man who was reportedly released from jail just last week is now being sought by police after allegedly threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend during a frightening early morning incident at her home in Matu’u village. The incident was reported by the victim who requested immediate assistance. She explained that her former boyfriend had come to her residence earlier that morning and made serious threats against her life. Police officers responded to the call and met with the victim at her home. Upon arrival, officers observed that the victim appeared visibly shaken — and she was described as fearful, tense, and exhausted. Authorities also noted that all doors to the residence were secured, and the victim had placed additional reinforcement on the back door using a wooden plank out of concern for her safety. During an interview with police, the victim stated that the incident occurred earlier that morning at around 6:00 a.m. while she was preparing her 12-year-old daughter for school. She reported hearing a loud knock at the door and, upon opening it, encountered the suspect. The victim alleged that the suspect immediately forced his way into the home and began shouting at her. According to her statement, the suspect told her that the reason he had been released from jail was to kill her. She further claimed that at the time he made the threat, he was holding a chainsaw. After making the statement, the suspect reportedly exited the house and retrieved a hammer. The victim told police that he then threatened to smash all the windows of her residence and also made additional threats, including stating that he would kill a tenant who lives on the property. Authorities say the entire incident unfolded in the presence of the couple’s 12-year-old daughter. The victim stated that her daughter became frightened and began crying during the confrontation. After arriving safely at school later that morning, the child reportedly called home to check on her mother’s well-being. The victim informed officers that she repeatedly told the suspect to leave her property, but he refused to comply. She also stated that she no longer wants any contact with him and had already contacted the probation office the day before the incident to report concerns about his behavior. According to the victim, the suspect had been released from prison approximately one week prior. Since his release, she claims he has returned to her residence on multiple occasions, often during nighttime hours, where he would bang loudly on doors and yell profanities. She admitted to police that she did not report those earlier incidents out of fear, explaining that the suspect had warned her that he would kill her if she contacted authorities. Police were unable to interview the minor child at the time of the response, as she was at school. However, the victim expressed serious concern for her daughter’s safety, noting a prior incident in which the suspect allegedly assaulted the child. As part of the investigation, officers conducted a search of the Matu’u area in an attempt to locate the suspect, but their efforts were unsuccessful. In a follow-up conducted the next day, April 2, police interviewed a tenant who resides at the victim’s home. The tenant confirmed that she was present during the incident and heard the suspect yelling, cursing, and making threats, including statements about killing the victim. The tenant also told investigators that she recalled a similar disturbance occurring the previous Saturday, further supporting the victim’s claims of ongoing harassment. She noted that she was familiar with the suspect, as he had previously lived at the residence with the victim prior to an earlier incident. Police officials noted that the suspect is not unfamiliar to authorities, as he has been involved in a prior case concerning the same victim. The victim told officers that she fears for her life and the safety of those living in her home, including her daughter and tenant. She expressed concern that the suspect may return at any time. The case remains under active investigation, and authorities are continuing efforts to locate the suspect. The defendant is identified as a 51-year-old citizen of Samoa. The affidavit was filed in the District Court on April 02, 2026. [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. Under local law, defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty by the court.] Section: Local News Tags: court report
2026-05-01 17:58:16