Tulsi Gabbard’s aunt Caroline Sinaviana-Gabbard, aged 78, was tragically beaten and stabbed to death by a female friend and author she reportedly mentored.

Samoan Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo reported that Sinaviana-Gabbard was murdered at the home of prominent author Papalii Sia Figiel last Saturday. The following day, Figiel turned herself in to law enforcement.

The two women, who were reportedly close friends with Sinaviana-Gabbard serving as Figiel’s mentor, had an argument at Figiel’s home. The argument escalated, resulting in Figiel allegedly using a knife and hammer to kill Sinaviana-Gabbard. The exact nature of their argument remains unknown.

Following the murder, Figiel allegedly left Sinaviana-Gabbard’s body in her home and spent the night at a friend's house. The next morning, she confessed to her friend about the incident. 

Figiel subsequently turned herself in to the police and was arrested. Initially charged with manslaughter, the charges were upgraded to murder as more evidence came to light.

Sinaviana-Gabbard was a respected academic who taught Pacific literature at the University of Hawaii for over 20 years. She returned to her home country of Samoa after her retirement.

Her brother, Mike Gabbard, is Tulsi Gabbard’s father and was a former state senator in Hawaii. In a statement to Spectrum News, Mike commented on the death and called his sister his “best friend.”

“She helped me considerably during my rebellious stage of adolescence. She got me hooked on reading,” said Mike Gabbard. 

“I was very proud of her accomplishments as a writer and poet,” he added. “I love her deeply and wish her well as she continues her journey.

He went on to say that while he forgives Figiel for the death of his sister, he expressed hope that justice will be served and that she “will be punished to the full extent of the law.”