Tulsi Gabbard's aunt stabbed and beaten to death with a hammer [VIDEO]

A well-known 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. Sinaviana-Gabbard, a retired former University of Hawaii professor, was stabbed multiple times and beaten with a hammer, leading to Figiel's arrest in Samoa on Sunday, multiple sources said.

The tragic incident happened on May 25 at Figiel's residence in Vaivase-Uta, a village located three miles from Apia, the capital of Samoa. Reports reveal that an altercation between the two women turned violent, although the reason for the argument remains unclear. Figiel and Sinaviana-Gabbard were mentioned to be colleagues and friends, and Gabbard was Figiel's mentor, according to local media reports.

Caroline Sinaviana-Gabbard was not only the aunt of Tulsi Gabbard, but also the sister of State Senator Mike Gabbard. She is fondly remembered by family members as the first Samoan to achieve full professor status in the United States. She was known for her expertise as a writer, teacher and environmental activist, leaving a lasting impact on those around her. Mike Gabbard expressed his deep affection for his sister, highlighting her significant influence on his life during his teenage years.

Despite the immense loss, Mike Gabbard expressed his forgiveness towards the individual responsible for his sister's untimely death. He hopes that justice prevails and that the perpetrator faces the repercussions of his actions.

A noted academic, Caroline Sinaviana-Gabbard earned degrees in English, psychology, folklore, and American studies from prestigious institutions such as Sonoma State University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Hawaii. His influential career included more than 20 years teaching Pacific literature at the University of Hawaii before his retirement.

The tragic loss of Caroline Sinaviana-Gabbard has a profound impact on her family and community, leaving a void that reflects the indelible impact of her contributions.

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