Playwright Sia Figel pleaded not guilty to the murder of colleague Professor Caroline Sinavaiana Gabbard before Supreme Court Judge Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma on Monday.

The plea was entered through Figel’s lawyer Unasa Iuni Sapolu.

Figel is facing a charge of murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter, armed with a dangerous weapon and causing grievous bodily harm. 

A psychological assessment of the defendant’s mental state is still in progress. 

The defence lawyer asked to file a bail application which the court has ordered to be done by 5 August and a hearing date is set for March next year. 

Fiegel was initially charged with manslaughter but had it upgraded to murder following a preliminary investigation into the death of Prof. Gabbard who is a U.S. national. 

Gabbard, 78-year-old had her postmortem examination completed shortly after her death and was cremated followed by a family service.  

Fiegel had recently told the court she did not want to be represented by a lawyer and asked to talk directly to the judge. 

When given the opportunity, she expressed her condolences to the family of Prof. Gabbard whom she said was a dear friend who helped her with her writing at university. 

She then told the court she had lost her strength on the day of the incident when the devil took over her. 

Police reported Gabbard's death was only reported a day after it occurred in Vaivase-uta when the defendant told a friend about it and prompted a visit to the authority about the incident. 

Fiegel remains in custody.

The incident sent shockwaves locally and abroad. Prof Gabbard was also a well-know international figure with her brother and niece involved in American politics.