Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The well-known playwright charged with murder has decided to maintain her lawyer to represent her and will undergo a psychiatric assessment. 

Papalii Sia Catherine Figiel through her lawyer Unasa Iuni Sapolu confirmed in the Supreme Court this week that the issue about representation has been resolved. 

Unasa said an application for a mental health assessment for her client has already been filed and was consented to by the prosecution. 

She added that the assessment of Figiel would be done by two experts, one a psychiatrist and another a nurse. 

Another separate application that was sought for — a suppression order — was withdrawn. 

Senior Supreme Court Justice, Vui Clarence Nelson granted the application for a psychiatrist check on Figiel by consent allowing three weeks to have the assessment done. 

Prosecutor Maiavatele Timothy Fesili said they would respond to the findings from the experts on the mental state of the defendant once completed. 

Figiel who is facing a murder charge for the death of Professor Caroline Sinavaiana Gabbard will remain in custody until her next court appearance. 

BACKGROUND

Talamua Online reported last week that Papalii Sia Figiel during her court hearing on June 19, said she would be representing herself and that she did not want a suppression order done

She further told the court that she did not want a mental health assessment saying “it was the devil that persuaded her to commit the crime.”  

And, she also wanted “the court to issue her sentence [Monday] so the spirit of the deceased is free,” the Talamua report said.