Apia, Samoa – June 2, 2024 – In a shocking development, renowned Samoan author and playwright Papalii Sia Figiel, 57, has been charged with the murder of Caroline Sinaviana-Gabbard, the 78-year-old aunt of former Hawaii Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. The incident, which has garnered widespread attention, took place in Samoa, a country located in the South Pacific Ocean.
The deadly incident occurred on May 25 at Figiel’s home in the village of Vaivase-Uta, about three miles from the island nation’s capital city of Apia. Figiel’s property also doubles as the local theater, adding a layer of complexity to the tragic event.
Samoan Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo reported that an argument had broken out between the two women before the incident turned violent. It remains unclear what sparked the argument. According to local media reports, the two women were colleagues and friends, with Gabbard serving as Figiel’s mentor.
Sinaviana-Gabbard, a retired professor from the University of Hawaii, was Tulsi Gabbard’s aunt and the sister of Hawaii state Sen. Mike Gabbard. Her family noted she was the first Samoan to become a full professor in the U.S. and was an accomplished writer, teacher, and environmental activist.
Mike Gabbard expressed his deep sorrow and fond memories of his sister. "Caroline was my best friend as a teenager," he said in a statement to Spectrum News. "She helped me considerably during my rebellious stage of adolescence. She got me hooked on reading, so much so that I followed in her footsteps and majored in English at Sonoma State University in California, then returned to our birthplace, American Samoa, where I taught English in high schools and was a faculty member, guidance counsellor, and dean at the community college for many years. I love her deeply and wish her well as she continues her journey."
The case has sent shockwaves through both the Samoan and international communities, as Figiel is a prominent literary figure known for her contributions to Samoan literature and drama. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing.
Samoa's police force is handling the investigation, and further details are expected to emerge as the case progresses. The brutal nature of the crime and the high-profile individuals involved have made this a significant and closely watched case.
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