(DailyChive.com) – A famous award-winning Samoan author is facing charges of murdering the aunt of the former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard in Samoa.
According to the local police, Gabbard’s 78-year-old aunt, Caroline Sinaviana-Gabbard, was allegedly stabbed and beaten with a hammer by her close associate, Papalii Sia Figiel.
After the murder, Figiel reportedly left the scene and later surrendered to police.
The two women had an argument that became violent, although the underlying causes of the fight remain unknown.
Caroline, who was also Figiel’s mentor, taught at the University of Hawaii before her retirement. She was the first ever full time Samoan professor in the United States. Apart from that, she was also a distinguished writer and a climate activist.
Tulsi‘s father, Mike Gabbard, who is also a Hawaii state senator, lamented the passing of his sister.
He noted that he was closely related to Caroline throughout his lifetime and that he is proud of all her achievements and the struggles.
Mike further stated that she helped him during his rebellious teenage years and motivated him to study, which allowed him to do his graduation and later teach English in schools.
While Mike announced to forgive the suspect, he also hoped that the criminal justice system would do its work to punish the murderer to the maximum possible extent.
Auapaau Logoitino Filipo, the Samoan Police Commissioner, noted that the reasons for the murder are still unknown, but initial investigation suggests that the suspect went to her friend after the murder.
Figiel is a prominent name in the literary world and won numerous accolades throughout her career.
Her first novel, “Where We Once Belonged,” was a massive hit, which encouraged her to write more books. The craze surrounding her work forced publishers to translate her books into multiple languages. She also participated in many local literary festivals and was considered an authoritative figure among many local poets.
Tulsi Gabbard thanked everyone who sent warm wishes to her after the tragedy.
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