Probable cause found to try man accused of burning GF’s clothes

The Superior Court has found probable cause to try a man accused of burning his girlfriend’s clothes in a fit of rage.

Following a preliminary hearing last week, Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph Camacho found probable cause to try Juan Taitano on charges of assault and battery (domestic violence), disturbing the peace, vandalism, assault, and reckless burning.

The court heard testimony from Department of Public Safety detective Daniel Kaipat.

“…The court finds probable cause to believe that [the defendant committed these crimes] and is therefore held to answer said charges,” said Camacho.

Taitano was ordered to return to court for his arraignment on Nov. 27.

During the hearing, the government was represented by assistant attorney general Frances T. Demapan, while assistant public defender Emily Dennert represented Taitano.

According to court documents, Department of Public Safety officers were dispatched to Finasisu Terraces at around 10:28pm on Nov. 3, to respond to a domestic violence and disturbing-the-peace report.

At the scene, police met with the caller who appeared to have a bloody lip and swollen face.

When officers stepped inside the residence, they saw shattered glass on the floor, which the alleged victim claimed was caused by Taitano.

In addition, police said the victim shared a video that Taitano had sent her of him burning her clothes and belongings at a residence in Dan Dan.

Earlier that evening, according to the alleged victim, Taitano was drunk and angry and wanted to take one of the children in the residence to his home in Dan Dan. However, the victim took the child away and told him to leave.

However, the victim said Taitano started to break things inside the apartment before grabbing her head and holding it tightly to his chest. To escape, the victim said she bit Taitano’s chest.

After letting go, Taitano allegedly kicked the victim’s leg and swung a fist at her, hitting her in the arm. In addition, the victim said Taitano head bumped her mouth before she managed to grab her phone and call the police. When Taitano saw she was calling the police, he left.

Later that evening, police found Taitano at his residence in Dan Dan. Police said they recognized Taitano from a photo the victim had shared so they arrested him and brought him to DOC.

Associate Judge Joseph Camacho