The adopted mother of an 11-year-old girl from Hawaii has been charged in connection with the child’s death. Authorities say 39-year-old Sina Pili has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of manslaughter, endangering the welfare of a minor, and persistent nonsupport. She is scheduled to be arraigned later this week.
The victim, Azaeliyah Pili-Ah, passed away on December 22, 2023, just hours after officers arrived at Pili’s home and found her unresponsive and covered in bruises. According to Honolulu Police Lieutenant Deena Thoemmes, the girl’s adopted father claimed that the bruises were the result of a fall in the shower. However, an initial autopsy conducted by the Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office did not immediately determine a cause of death, leading to further forensic examination.
In June, a forensic pathologist ruled that Azaeliyah’s cause of death was “multiple injuries from child abuse,” and classified her death as a homicide. Officers at the scene reported “extensive bruising” on the girl’s body. The forensic report also noted additional injuries, including abrasions, bite-like wounds on her nose, and internal neck injuries consistent with strangulation.
Medical tests further revealed that Azaeliyah had been suffering from COVID-19, influenza, and pneumonia at the time of her death. Despite her illness, authorities allege that Pili forced her to run outside and later physically assaulted her, slapping and punching her multiple times over a 30-minute span.
Azaeliyah’s four siblings, who were also adopted by Pili, were placed into protective custody during the investigation. Pili, a behavioral health specialist employed at Kahuku High and Intermediate School, was put on leave while the case unfolds. She was also an adjunct professor in the social work department at Brigham Young University–Hawaii but was terminated following her arrest.
Authorities continue to investigate Azaeliyah’s adopted father’s involvement in the case. Pili is currently being held without bail at the Women’s Community Correctional Center in Kailua. Court records indicate she has not yet obtained legal representation. Her arraignment is scheduled for Thursday.
