Final witness to testify in Sāmoan poet Sia Figiel's murder trial

Papalii Sia Figiel's murder trial resumes on Thursday in Sāmoa’s Supreme Court with the last prosecution witness expected to testify.

On 26 May 2024, Dr Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard was found dead at Figiel’s GaluMoana Theatre in Vaivase-uta, which set the case in motion.

Papalii, an award-winning novelist and poet, is accused of murdering her close friend and fellow Pacific literary figure in a case that has stunned Sāmoans at home and abroad.

Since the trial began in August this year, evidence presented has included details of the alleged murder, police findings on Sinavaiana-Gabbard’s body, possible murder weapons, and information on Papalii’s movements: specifically, her visit to Lotofaga, where she reportedly spent the night on a beach before allegedly confessing to the murder the next morning.

As reported by Sāmoa’s media, Dr James Kalougivaki, a forensic pathologist, testified via video link that the cause of death was severe traumatic head injury caused by blunt force trauma, consistent with the use of a hammer.

Kalougivaki is from Fiji, as Sāmoa does not have a full-time forensic pathologist.

He told the court that Sinavaiana-Gabbard had sustained severe injuries to her head, also detailing multiple skull fractures as well as injuries to both arms, noting several of the fractures appeared to be defensive wounds, suggesting she had tried to protect herself.

Dr Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard between Sāmoa's former Head of State, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, left, and Masiofo Filifilia, right. Photo/Samoa Observer

Kalougivaki’s findings were supported by Dr Sebastian Paulo from Sāmoa's Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, who received the body at the morgue and confirmed it was already in advanced decomposition.

The judge-only trial has also highlighted questions about Papalii’s mental health.

Her lawyer, Unasa Iuni Sapolu, has repeatedly requested a psychiatric assessment, which Papalii has resisted, earlier telling the court “the devil persuaded her” to commit the alleged acts.

She has also attempted self-representation and did not agree to a request by Unasa for identity suppression.

Papalii has pleaded not guilty to five charges - murder, manslaughter, two counts of being armed with a dangerous weapon, and causing serious injuries.

After her arrest in May 2024, bail applications were denied, and she has remained in custody since then.

To date, prosecutors have presented 13 witnesses throughout the trial, with the final witness, Cecilia Alailima, scheduled to appear on Thursday.

Alailima is reported to have been the first to alert the police after Papalii allegedly confessed to her.

Papalii and Sinavaiana-Gabbard are literary figures of great renown, reaching global audiences and multiple generations of the Pacific diaspora.

Aged 76 when she died, Sinavaiana-Gabbard was the first Sāmoan to hold a full professorship in the United States and a widely respected scholar of Pacific theatre and poetry.

For many Pacific Islanders abroad, her teaching and mentorship were pivotal in helping them reconnect with their cultural identity.

The case has reverberated far beyond Sāmoa’s borders, especially among Pacific diaspora communities in Aotearoa New Zealand, Hawai’i, and the US.