Caroline Sinaviana-Gabbard, the aunt of former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, was allegedly murdered by famous author Papalii Sia Figiel

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By Fox News

A prominent Samoan author and playwright has been charged with the murder of the aunt of former Hawaii Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, according to multiple reports.

Papalii Sia Figiel, 57, was arrested Sunday following the death in Samoa of Caroline Sinaviana-Gabbard, 78, a retired University of Hawaii professor.

The victim was stabbed multiple times and beaten with a hammer, according to local reports citing police.

Samoa is a country located in the South Pacific Ocean.

The deadly incident took place on May 25 at Figiel's home in the village of Vaivase-Uta, about five kilometers from the island's capital, Apia.

The Figiel property also serves as a local theater, the New Zealand Herald reports.

An argument had broken out between the two men before the incident escalated into violence, Samoan Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said, according to the publication. It's unclear what exactly sparked the argument.

The two women were colleagues and friends, and Gabbard was Figiel's mentor, according to local media.

Sinaviana-Gabbard was the aunt of Tulsi Gabbard and the sister of Hawaii State Senator Mike Gabbard.

Her family says she was the first Samoan to become a full professor in the United States and was an accomplished writer, teacher and environmental activist.

Mike Gabbard said he was very close to his sister growing up and proud of her accomplishments in life.

“Caroline was my best friend when I was a teenager,” Mike Gabbard said in a statement to Spectrum News.

“She helped me considerably during my rebellious teenage period. She got me addicted to reading, so much so that I followed in her footsteps and majored in English at Sonoma State University in California, then returned to our birthplace, American Samoa, where I I taught English in high schools and was a member of the faculty, guidance. community college advisor and dean for many years.

“I love her dearly and wish her well as she continues her journey.”

Mike Gabbard added that he forgives the person responsible for his death, but hopes that justice will be served and that the person “will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.”

According to Spectrum News, Sinaviana-Gabbard earned undergraduate degrees in English and psychology from Sonoma State University, a master's degree in folklore from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Hawaii.

She taught Pacific literature at the University of Hawaii for more than 20 years before retiring.

A spokesperson for the lawmaker's office did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.