Brother vs Brother lands them in jail over a joke allegedly taken badly

By Samoa News staff reporters@samoanews.com Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On May 2, 2026, the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) received a call from a woman of a disturbance at a residence in Fatumafuti. Two defendants were later charged with: Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine not to exceed $300, or both imprisonment and fine; and, Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class A misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed one year, a fine of not more than $1,000, or both. The defendants were held without bail. According to the court affidavits, police were informed that two brothers had become involved in a fight that began inside their home before continuing outside near the roadway. Officers responded to the scene shortly after the call and first encountered one of the brothers, Mellon Vee, standing near the side of the road outside the residence. Investigators observed a minor abrasion near his left eye as well as signs of intoxication, including a strong odor of alcohol coming from his breath. Mellon informed officers that his older brother, Melvin Vee, was hiding near the beach area across from the main road. Officers proceeded toward the shoreline to search for him. Police later observed Melvin walking along the seawall heading toward the eastern side of the village. Officers approached him and asked him to voluntarily accompany them to the police station for further investigation. Court records state that Melvin complied and entered the police unit without resistance. Investigators reported that Melvin also appeared heavily intoxicated at the time officers made contact with him. The officers detected a strong odor of alcohol and noted that his eyes appeared bloodshot, which they believed indicated he was under the influence of alcohol. For safety reasons, officers later handcuffed both brothers and placed them into separate police units before transporting them to the FPS for questioning. During the investigation, officers interviewed Mellon regarding the disturbance, who explained that he and his older brother had been drinking alcohol together at the residence while socializing earlier in the evening. Mellon reportedly told police that the argument began after Melvin became upset over a joke that was made during their gathering. Melvin allegedly reacted angrily, began yelling profanities, and started throwing tables and chairs inside the residence while children were present inside the home. Moreover, the verbal confrontation eventually turned physical and escalated into a fight between the brothers, drawing attention from nearby neighbors. Mellon alleged that he was punched near his left eye while attempting to avoid blows thrown by his brother. Investigators attempted to interview Melvin regarding the incident, however, officers reported that he appeared too intoxicated to communicate effectively, preventing investigators from obtaining a statement from him at that time. Authorities also stated that no visible injuries were observed on Melvin during the investigation. Police later spoke with the reporting party, who requested that both men be removed from the residence out of concern that the altercation would continue if they remained at the home. She told officers that both brothers had been throwing punches at each other during the disturbance and expressed concern for the safety of children inside the residence. Following the investigation, both Melvin Vee and Mellon Vee were transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility pending their appearance before the District Court. The affidavits were filed in the District Court on April 4, 2026. As with all criminal cases, the allegations outlined in court filings remain accusations at this stage, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. [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.] Section: Local News Tags: court report
2026-05-22 17:10:52