Former U.S. representative and presidential candidate, Tulsi Gabbard, has opened up about her late aunt, who was murdered in Samoa last month.
Gabbard posted a tribute to social media on Tuesday, showing a collection of childhood photos with her aunt Caroline Sinaviana-Gabbard. Sinaviana-Gabbard was a former professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, teaching creative writing for over 20 years, and served as an associate professor of Pacific literature, becoming the first scholar of Samoan ancestry to become a full professor at an American University.
“Thank you to all who have taken the time to send me warm messages of prayers and condolences in the wake of my aunt’s tragic murder in Samoa. I’m so grateful to be surrounded by your love and prayers,” said Gabbard.
She then further reflected on her aunt’s life and legacy, saying, “My aunt Caroline was my dad’s only sister, and the only relative of ours who lived in Hawaii when I was growing up.”
She also said that she spent a lot of time with her at her cottage in Manoa valley, “where she often shared her poetry with me, and encouraged me to pursue my own writing.”
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“The news of her horrific death sent shockwaves through our family,” Gabbard continued. “We miss her, cherish the happy memories we shared, and are keeping her in our prayers. Life is short. Hold close the ones you love, and make the most of every day we are blessed with life.”
Tulsi’s father, Mike Gabbard, told Spectrum News that “Caroline was my best friend as a teenager.” further mentioning how Sinaviana-Gabbard helped him during his youth, and eventually helped him on the path to becoming an educator.
“I was very proud of her accomplishments as a writer and poet,” he said. “I love her deeply and wish her well as she continues her journey. While I sincerely forgive the murderer of this horrific crime, I’m hoping justice will be served, and that person will be punished to the full extent of the law.”
Caroline Sinaviana-Gabbard was found dead in the home of prominent Samoan author and playwright, Papalii Sia Figiel, in Vaivase-Uta, Samoa. Sinaviana-Gabbard and Figiel allegedly got into an argument, with Figiel proceeding to stab Sinaviana-Gabbard multiple times with a knife and beat her with a hammer. Both Sinaviana-Gabbard and Figiel were close friends, with Sinaviana-Gabbard being described as Figiel’s mentor.
Afterwards, Figiel fled to a friends house in Lotofaga and spent the night there. “It wasn’t until Sunday morning while they were having breakfast that [Figiel] told her friend what had happened”, said Samoan Police Comissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo.
Fiegel turned herself over to the police, and was initially charged with manslaughter. However, he charges were upgraded following a police investigation, according to the New York Post.
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