Attorneys in the Papali’i Sia Figiel murder case have been warned that no further adjournments will be granted, and the trial will proceed as scheduled in August this year.
Samoa Supreme Court Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma stated that the defense counsel has been given multiple opportunities to provide the medical review reports from Hawaii that are needed for her client.
Talamua Media reports that Figiel’s attorney, Unasa Iuni Sapolu, requested another adjournment in the hope of receiving the reports by that time.
Prosecutor Taimalelagi Leinafo Strickland confirmed that only one report—the 2,000-page report from the Ministry of Health—has been provided, but the defense has yet to submit the report from Hawaii.
She did not oppose the application for a continuation.
Justice Roma then ordered a final adjournment for the defense counsel to provide the report, with the matter to be heard in chambers on April 22.
Papali’i, who was listening to the discussion from the dock, tapped the microphone and requested the opportunity to speak.
She acknowledged the Court and everyone present, before discussing the love she had received from the women in prison.
Wrapped around her shoulder was a bag made from empty rice sacks, and, in tears, she explained that she had been in prison for 11 months. The bag, she said, was a sign of the love shown to her by the women inmates who had made it for her.
Papali’i has already entered a not guilty plea to six charges, including murder as the principal charge, manslaughter, causing serious injuries, and two charges of being armed with a dangerous weapon in connection to the alleged murder of Professor Dr. Caroline Sinavaiana Gabbard at Vaivase in June 2024.
