Guam governor’s daughter-in-law facing domestic violence charges

By Jayvee Vallejera

The Guam governor’s daughter-in-law, Jaime Shimizu Cook, is facing domestic violence charges, including aggravated assault, after allegedly attacking her husband, Joaquin P. Leon Guerrero Cook, on New Year’s Day.

Assistant Attorney General Curtis Van de Veld charged Shimizu-Cook with two counts of aggravated assault as a second and third degree felony, family violence, two counts of criminal mischief, terroristic conduct and assault.

The case was filed in the Guam Superior Court on Jan. 2.

Shimizu-Cook was arrested after the incident. She was later released on personal recognizance.

“I am aware of the legal matter involving a member of my family. This issue is now before the judiciary and I respect the legal process and trust it will proceed fairly and independently and without political interference," Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said in a statement.

"I respectfully ask that Jamie and her family be afforded the same privacy and dignity we would hope for any family facing a difficult moment. My focus remains where it has always been: on serving the people of Guam and carrying out the responsibilities of my office," she added.

If convicted of all charges, she may face a maximum of 24 years in prison, according to the Office of the Attorney General.

According to the Guam Police Department, the incident occurred at the home of Joaquin Cook's friend, hours after midnight on Jan. 1, 2026, where Joaquin Cook was also hanging out with a female friend.

Court records state that Shimizu-Cook arrived at the house, banged on the front door and yelled at Joaquin Cook to come out.

The house owner told police that he saw Jaime Shimizu Cook and Joaquin Cook engaged in a shouting match that later escalated into a physical fight.

Joaquin Cook told police his wife hit him and rammed the driver's side of his vehicle while he was inside. She allegedly also rammed the Kia Seltos, owned by Joaquin Cook's female friend, pushing it partially over a ledge.

Shimizu-Cook was arrested on Jan. 1, 2026, at 4:05 a.m.

Van de Veld had pressed that she be kept in jail before trial, alleging that she was "a danger to the public," "a flight risk" and is unlikely to comply with the court’s orders.

She was released pending trial.

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