Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s (I-HI) aunt was reportedly killed by a Samoan poet and author who was arrested and charged with murder last weekend.
Sinavaiana-Gabbard, who had been the sister of Hawaii State Sen. Mike Gabbard (D), was described as a “kindred spirit” and a “brilliant writer.”
The Hawaii state senator added that his sister had been responsible for getting him “hooked on reading” and influenced his life so deeply that he “followed in her footsteps and majored in English at Sonoma State University in California.”
“She was a kindred spirit, a brilliant writer, and a supporter of writers,” an unnamed friend remarked. “A peaceful and calm person.”
Figiel was initially charged with manslaughter on Sunday, May 26. However, the charge was upgraded to murder the next day as more details emerged, Filipo explained to the outlet.
The police commissioner revealed that a “hammer is alleged to have been used as well as a small knife that inflicted multiple stab wounds on the deceased.”
“We do not know what the motive is but from reports, the incident occurred on Saturday and the suspect left the deceased at her home while she went out to Lotofaga and spent time with a friend,” Filipo elaborated. He added that on Sunday, Figiel admitted to a friend what she had done before reporting the incident to the police.
The New Zealand Herald reported that Figiel’s home also serves as a theater.
