Tulsi Gabbard’s aunt, Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard, was allegedly murdered by a friend and prominent author, Papalii Sia Figiel, in Samoa. The incident occurred on May 25, with Figiel reportedly using a hammer and a knife to kill Sinavaiana-Gabbard following an argument. Figiel then left the body in her house and drove to a friend’s house, where she did not disclose what had happened until the next morning. Upon turning herself in to authorities, Figiel was initially charged with manslaughter, which was later upgraded to murder as more evidence was found. Sinavaiana-Gabbard was a renowned author and poet, known for her bestselling novel “Where We Once Belonged” and for teaching Pacific literature at the University of Hawaii for over 20 years.
Sinavaiana-Gabbard’s brother, Mike Gabbard, who is a state senator in Hawaii, expressed his gratitude for the support from others during the difficult time for their family. Tulsi Gabbard, a former Hawaii Democratic Representative, has not publicly commented on her aunt’s death, and Newsweek reached out to her team for a statement. Since leaving the Democratic party in 2022, Tulsi Gabbard has been considered as a potential running mate for former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Alongside others like Republican Senator Tim Scott, Senator J.D. Vance, and Representative Elise Stefanik, Tulsi Gabbard is being evaluated as a possible candidate for Trump’s running mate.
The case of Sinavaiana-Gabbard’s murder by Figiel has shocked the community, as both individuals were well-known in Samoa. Figiel, a popular author in the Pacific Island nation, allegedly committed the crime during an argument with Sinavaiana-Gabbard, using a hammer and a knife in the attack. The murder took place in Figiel’s home in Vaivase-Uta, near Apia, the capital of Samoa. Figiel then drove to a friend’s house, did not disclose the incident until the next day, and was subsequently arrested and charged with manslaughter, later upgraded to murder.
Sinavaiana-Gabbard’s legacy as a prominent author and educator has added complexity to the tragic circumstances of her death. With deep roots in Samoan literature and academia, she made significant contributions through her work and teaching. Her brother, Mike Gabbard, expressed appreciation for the support from others in light of the family’s loss. As the investigation continues and legal proceedings unfold, the case has garnered attention both locally and internationally due to the involvement of individuals with public profiles in Samoa.
The political implications surrounding Tulsi Gabbard’s potential role in the 2024 presidential election have added another layer of interest to the story. Since departing from the Democratic party and citing concerns about its leadership, Gabbard has been mentioned as a possible running mate for Donald Trump. The prospect of Gabbard aligning with the former president has generated speculation and debate within political circles. As the situation evolves and more information emerges about the tragic event involving her aunt, Gabbard’s future political prospects and decisions may be influenced by the ongoing developments and public discourse surrounding the case.
In the wake of the tragedy, the focus remains on the investigation into Sinavaiana-Gabbard’s death and the legal proceedings involving Figiel. The loss of a respected figure like Sinavaiana-Gabbard has left a void in the literary and academic communities where she made significant contributions. As her family and colleagues mourn her passing, the circumstances of the incident, the impact on those close to her, and the broader implications for Samoa and beyond continue to unfold. Amidst the complexities of the case, the memory of Sinavaiana-Gabbard’s achievements and legacy serves as a reminder of her lasting impact on literature, education, and the community she enriched during her lifetime.
