Newcastle home invasion stems from XL Bully custody dispute

A custody battle over an expensive XL Bully dog escalated into a violent home invasion in Mayfield, according to court proceedings in Newcastle. The incident occurred around 3:45 a.m. on May 30 last year, when a group of men armed with guns, knives, baseball bats, and a metal pole approached a residence.

Two men, Felise Taufaao and Ejay Laga, have pleaded guilty to their roles in the assault. CCTV footage captured the group approaching the door, with Taufaao discharging a shortened single-barrel shotgun at the door handle. Laga subsequently forced entry into the home.

Two other men, including the individual alleged to have wanted the dog back, have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to face trial in 2027. The victims, who included a woman and her partner, were inside the home with two friends when the armed group arrived.