Honk News (Honolulu, HI) – A 39-year-old mother in Hawaii faces serious allegations in the tragic death of her 11-year-old adopted daughter, reportedly subjecting the child to a relentless assault of punches and slaps for thirty minutes before the child succumbed to her injuries.
Sina Pili has been formally charged by a grand jury and was apprehended on Friday, facing allegations of manslaughter, endangering a minor’s welfare, and persistent nonsupport in connection with the death of Azaeliyah Pili-Ah You, according to officials.
On December 22, 2023, Lieutenant Deena Thoemmes from the Honolulu Police Department reported that officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel responded to a call regarding an unresponsive young girl at a residence in Laie. The fire department arrived promptly and reportedly discovered Azaeliyah’s father administering lifesaving measures to the victim under the guidance of the 911 dispatcher.
The victim was swiftly transported to Kahuku Hospital, where she was declared deceased. The decision regarding the manner and cause of death has been postponed while awaiting additional testing results.
Read More – Tennessee Teacher Found Dead in Classroom, School Closed for Investigation as Community Mourns
Authorities present at the location reportedly observed bruises and the body of Azaeliyah. Both parents reportedly claimed they were unaware of how the child incurred the injuries, implying they could have resulted from sports activities or a potential slip in the shower.
While homicide detectives delved into Azaeliyah’s death, child abuse detectives initiated an investigation into the potential mistreatment of Pili’s four other adopted children, all aged 12 and under.
In the days leading up to her passing, Azaeliyah was absent from school several times because of her illness, with Thoemmes noting that she had a recorded fever of 101 degrees during a press briefing on Friday.
On the morning of Azaeliyah’s passing, Pili reportedly compelled the victim to sprint to a nearby chapel, even though she was still unwell.
The medical examiner provided a thorough account of Azaeliyah’s injuries, highlighting “extensive bruising” that Thoemmes indicated was so severe that it “penetrated the skin” and was “visible reaching the diaphragm.”
The autopsy revealed that Azaeliyah was positive for both COVID and influenza A, in addition to having pneumonia.
She was arrested Friday afternoon, according to reports.
Pili remains in police custody without bond and is set to appear in court for her arraignment on March 13.
Authorities have stated that Azaeliyah’s adoptive father has not been taken into custody regarding her death, but he is still under investigation.