The Attorney General's office in American Samoa is awaiting autopsy results for a 44 year old Filipino woman who died in hospital at the weekend, following an alleged assault.
Meanwhile, the woman's 62 year old partner, Walter Lane, has been charged with first degree assault, kidnapping, disturbing the peace and driving under the influence.
There have been witness reports that Lane was seen attacking the woman, Emelita Gavino, at several locations in Pago Pago.
She was later found lying on the side of the road, with witnesses saying she appeared to have fallen from Lane's truck while it was in motion.
Ms Gavino, who was in a coma, was admitted to the LBJ Hospital, where she died two days later.
Lane, a former chief engineer on an American purse seiner, is being held in custody.
