The trial of Samoan writer Papalii Sia Figiel, accused of the murder of Dr. Caroline Sinavaiana Gabbard in May 2024, resumed in the Samoa Supreme Court Thursday before Justice Fepulea’i Ameperosa Roma.
Radio Polynesia reported that the case resumed with evidence by Lotofaga matai Amituana’i Fuimaono Cecilia Alailima, the final witness for the prosecution.
The witness told the court that Figiel admitted to her that something terrible had happened.
“She said she had done something terrible, something very bad,” said Amituana’i.
Amituanai said she and her husband were surprised when Figiel turned up alone at their Lotofaga home on the evening of Saturday, May 25, 2024, in a black vehicle.
Because she could see Figiel was upset, Amituana’i said she let her stay the night and sleep over.
The following morning, as she and her husband were preparing for Sunday church service, Figiel told her she needed to speak to her about something.
Amituanai told the court Figiel found it hard to say what had happened.
She admitted something terrible happened to a friend of hers, whom she didn’t initially name.
Amituanai said Figiel answered “yes” when asked if the car she came in belonged to her friend.
She asked if this person was still alive, and although she couldn’t hear Figiel’s answer, she could see her shaking her head.
Amituanai admitted to the court that Papalii told her she wanted to commit suicide.
She managed to use her medical knowledge to convince Figiel to let her call the police and tell them what Papalii had admitted to.
She asked police if they could hurry to Figiel’s Vaivase-Uta home, as she wasn’t sure if the victim had died.
She and her husband then drove Figiel directly to the police station.
Amituanai said she was related to Papalii and was aware she had a mental problem, was diabetic, and had high blood pressure.
Defense lawyer Unasa Iuni Sapolu asked Amituanai if she had seen Figiel with any medical pills, and she said no.
A psychiatrist from Papua New Guinea Dr. Joyce Vida Sonoling, was the first defense witness who confirmed with the court that Papalii was bipolar and had other mental issues.
