Renowned Samoan playwright Sia Figiel has written to the Supreme Court requesting the withdrawal of her lawyer, Unasa Iuni Sapolu, indicating her intent to take on her own legal defense and plead guilty to all charges.

Figiel had previously pleaded not guilty to a series of serious charges, including murder, manslaughter, grievous bodily harm, and assault. These charges stem from the killing of 78-year-old American Samoan academic and poet Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard, whose body was discovered at Figiel’s property in Vaivase-Uta in May 2024.

Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard was the aunt of Lieutenant Colonel Tulsi Gabbard, a U.S. Army Reserve officer and veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Gabbard, a former U.S. Congresswoman, served two tours of duty in the Middle East and has been vocal about the grief her family feels over the tragic death of her aunt. Gabbard highlighted her aunt’s contributions to Pacific literature and academia.

According to police reports, Sinavaiana-Gabbard had sustained multiple stab wounds and fatal injuries from a hammer. The playwright allegedly left the crime scene and only disclosed the incident to a friend the following day, before surrendering to police. Initially charged with manslaughter, Figiel’s charges were later upgraded to murder after further investigation.

Unasa Iuni Sapolu, Figiel’s lawyer, had previously filed a bail application, which the prosecution opposed. Figiel remains in custody, and the case has been adjourned to October 2024 to allow her legal team to consider her request to represent herself.

The substantive hearing is scheduled for March 2025, though discussions of a potential plea deal, possibly reducing the murder charge to manslaughter, are ongoing.