Article: Tulsi Gabbard’s Aunt Found Dead in Brutal Attack

The aunt of former Hawaiian congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard was tragically found dead over the weekend after a violent altercation with her protégé in Samoa, resulting in multiple stab wounds and injuries from a hammer, as reported by Spectrum News on Wednesday.

Dr. Caroline Sinaviana-Gabbard, 78, was discovered deceased on May 25 inside the residence of acclaimed Samoan playwright Papalii Sia Figiel in Vaivase-Uta.

Following the harrowing incident, Figel, 57, fled to a friend’s house and later surrendered to the authorities. Initially facing manslaughter charges, she was later charged with murder after a thorough investigation.

“A hammer and a small knife were reportedly used to inflict the fatal wounds on the deceased,” Samoa Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo stated, as per the New York Post. “The motive behind the attack is still unclear, but the incident occurred on Saturday, with the suspect leaving the deceased at her residence while she visited a friend in Lotofaga.”

Sinavaiana-Gabbard was the elder sister of Hawaii State Sen. Mike Gabbard, who is Tulsi Gabbard’s father.

Mike Gabbard expressed his closeness with his sister during their youth and his pride in her accomplishments.

“Caroline was my closest companion in my teenage years,” Mike Gabbard disclosed. “She immensely supported me through my rebellious phase in adolescence. She encouraged my love for literature, which led me to pursue an English major at Sonoma State University in California, before returning to our homeland in American Samoa, where I taught English and held various roles in education for several years. I cherish her deeply and wish her peace on her journey.”

Mike Gabbard also mentioned his forgiveness towards the suspect but urged for justice to prevail and for the individual to face legal consequences.

Following Figiel’s arrest, she was transferred from Tanumalala Prison to the National Hospital in Moto’otua under 24-hour suicide watch, as stated by a close friend to KHJ News. Figiel is scheduled to appear in the Samoan Supreme Court on June 10.