Tulsi Gabbard's aunt stabbed to death: everything we know

Former Hawaii Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's aunt was allegedly beaten and stabbed to death by a popular Samoan author.

Her aunt, Caroline Sinaviana-Gabbard, 78, was found dead at the home of Papalii Sia Figiel, 57, on the Pacific Islands.

Samoan Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo told the Daily Mail that Sinaviana-Gabbard was killed on May 25 and that Figiel turned herself in to police the following morning.

News week I have contacted the Samoa Police Department for more information.

Sinaviana-Gabbard and Figiel were reportedly friends, but an argument broke out between the two before Sinaviana-Gabbard's death. Officials did not reveal the cause of the argument.

Figiel allegedly used a hammer and a knife to kill Sinaviana-Gabbard. Both weapons were found on site.

The author's home is in the village of Vaivase-Uta, about a 10-minute drive from the Samoan capital Apia.

Figiel is also accused of leaving the body in her house while she drove to a friend's house, located about an hour away in the village of Lotofaga. Figiel did not tell this friend what had happened until the next morning.

She was arrested and charged with manslaughter after turning herself in to authorities. The charge was upgraded to murder when police found more evidence.

Sinaviana-Gabbard was also a prominent author and poet. His first novel “Where We Once Belonged” was a bestseller.

She also taught Pacific literature at the University of Hawaii for over 20 years. She was the first Samoan to become a professor in the United States, then returned to Samoa after her retirement.

Tulsi Gabbard's father and Sinaviana-Gabbard's brother, Mike Gabbard, is a Hawaii state senator.

“My warmest aloha and gratitude to each and every one of you for your kindness, love and support during this dark time for the Gabbard 'ohana. It is much appreciated,” Mike Gabbard said on X.

Tulsi Gabbard has not publicly commented on her aunt's death. News week has contacted his team for comment.

Tulsi Gabbard ran for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 election. She is now considered a potential running mate for former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

Tulsi Gabbard left the Democratic Party in 2022. She called the party an “elitist cabal of warmongers.”

South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott, Ohio Republican Sen. JD Vance and New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik are also among those in high regard for Trump's running mate.