Tragedy Strikes as Samoan Author Charged with Murdering Tulsi Gabbard’s Aunt
A prominent Samoan author and playwright, Papalii Sia Figiel, 57, has been charged with murdering Caroline Sinaviana-Gabbard, the aunt of the former Hawaii Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. The 78-year-old victim, a retired University of Hawaii professor, was stabbed multiple times and beaten with a hammer in Samoa, a country located in the South Pacific Ocean.
The incident took place at Figiel’s home, which also serves as a local theater, following an argument between the two women that turned violent. Sinaviana-Gabbard was an accomplished writer, teacher, and environmental activist, the first Samoan to become a full professor in the U.S.
Mike Gabbard, state Sen. and brother of the victim, spoke fondly of his sister’s influence on his life and expressed forgiveness towards her perpetrator. Sinaviana-Gabbard had a distinguished academic career, teaching Pacific literature at the University of Hawaii for over 20 years before retirement.
While the circumstances surrounding the tragedy remain unclear, the community mourns the loss of a beloved figure and awaits justice for the senseless crime.
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