Figiel’s trial ends amid testimonies of mental health struggles and alleged confession

The murder trial of acclaimed Sāmoan writer Papalii Sia Figiel has concluded with final submissions set for 25 September.

Last week, witnesses testified in the Supreme Court of Sāmoa, outlining Figiel’s health issues and her movements in the days after the death of 76-year-old Dr Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard. Accused of murder, Figiel’s defence centred around her mental state.

According to Sāmoan news media, Figiel’s lawyer, Unasa Iuni Sapolu, brought in psychiatrist Dr Joyce Vida Sonoling, who currently oversees Sāmoa’s Mental Health Unit.

Sonoling testified that Figiel displayed symptoms of a psychotic disorder, including hallucinations, delusions, and disconnection from reality. The psychiatrist says such conditions could impair reasoning and trigger aggressive behaviour under stress.

Another defence witness, Leausa Dr Take Naseri, provided medical services to Figiel while she was in Tanumalala Prison. Radio Sāmoa reported that he testified about Figiel’s medical history, outlining her non-communicable ailments and the effects of fasting and sleep deprivation.

A third, unnamed witness connected to Figiel’s mother’s family also reportedly testified, confirming a history of mental health treatment for the writer in the United States due to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

Figiel's artists' residence at Vaivase-Uta. Photo/Samoa Observer

Defence testimonies followed the appearance of the final prosecution witness, retired doctor and Figiel’s distant relative, Amituanai Fuimaono Dr Sisilia Alailima. She told the Supreme Court she was surprised when Figiel arrived unannounced at her home last May.

Amituanai described the meeting where Figiel, usually vibrant and talkative, appeared withdrawn and weary. After spending the night at Amituanai’s home, Figiel allegedly confesses in a Sunday morning conversation that she had done “something terrible” and hinted at the involvement of an unnamed friend who was no longer alive and had been at her Galumoana artists’ residence in Vaivase-Uta.

Amituanai recounted using her medical training to keep the writer calm, urging her to speak with the police and steering her away from talk of self-harm.

Watch the Pacific Days interview of Kimberlee Basford, director of Before the Moon Falls - a documentary about Sia Figiel

After driving Figiel across the island to police headquarters in Apia, she handed Figiel’s house keys to the police, who entered the author’s Vaivase-Uta home and discovered a body inside that was later identified as Sinavaiana-Gabbard.

Court reports describe Figiel as being overwhelmed, breaking down during Amituanai’s testimony last week, pausing proceedings as she wept loudly upon entering the adjacent courtroom. After a short recess, Figiel returned under police supervision but remained calm for the remainder of the hearing.

Amituanai’s account aligns with earlier medical evidence from Fijian forensic pathologist Dr James Kalougivaki, who told the court that Sinavaiana-Gabbard died from severe head injuries consistent with hammer blows, with defensive wounds that suggested she tried to shield herself.

The trial, presided over by Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma, has gripped Sāmoa and its diaspora, given the stature of both women - one an award-winning novelist whose work has shaped Pacific literature, and the other a pioneering scholar who became the first Sāmoan to hold a full professorship in the United States.

Figiel has pleaded not guilty to five charges, including murder and manslaughter, and has remained in custody since her arrest in May 2024.