In a shocking and tragic incident, Caroline "Sina" Sinavaiana-Gabbard, the paternal aunt of former Hawaiian Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, was allegedly stabbed multiple times and beaten to death with a hammer. The brutal murder took place in Samoa, where Sinavaiana-Gabbard was found dead on May 25 at the GaluMoana Theater in Vaivase-Uta.

According to police reports, the altercation occurred between Sinavaiana-Gabbard and Papalii Sia Figiel, a 57-year-old poet and writer from Samoa who was believed to have been mentored by the elderly woman. The altercation escalated to a violent level, leading Figiel to allegedly stab Sinavaiana-Gabbard multiple times and strike her with a hammer. Following the incident, Figiel fled to a friend's house where she was subsequently arrested.

Initially charged with manslaughter, Figiel now faces upgraded charges of murder after a thorough police investigation, as confirmed by Samoa police commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo during a news conference.

Sinavaiana-Gabbard, a former professor at the University of Hawaii known for her expertise in Pacific literature, had a significant impact on academia. Born in American Samoa, she made history as the first scholar of Samoan descent to become a full professor at an American university. Her tragic death has left her family and colleagues in utter shock and grief.

Hawaii State Senator Mike Gabbard, Sinavaiana-Gabbard's brother and Tulsi Gabbard's father, expressed his profound sadness over the loss of his sister in a statement to Spectrum News. The Gabbard family and the local Hawaiian community mourn the loss of a remarkable individual who played an important role in preserving and promoting Pacific literature and culture.

The accused, Figiel, is scheduled to appear in court on June 10, as reported by the New York Post. The court proceedings will determine the course of justice for Sinavaiana-Gabbard's untimely demise, as her family and friends seek closure and retribution for the horrific crime.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of individuals, even within close-knit communities. As the news of Sinavaiana-Gabbard's murder reverberates across borders, it underscores the need for collective efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their prominence or background, within our societies.