Hawaii Social Worker Arrested in Death of Adopted Daughter Found Covered in Bruises and Wounds ‘Consistent With Being Bitten’

Social Worker Arrested in Tragic Death of Adopted Daughter

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a social worker in Hawaii has been arrested in connection with the death of her adopted daughter. Sina Pili, 39, is facing charges of manslaughter, endangering the welfare of a minor, and persistent nonsupport after her 11-year-old daughter, Azaeliyah Pili-Ah, passed away under mysterious circumstances on December 22, 2023.

The tragedy unfolded when officers responded to Pili’s home and found the young girl unresponsive and covered in bruises. Initially, the adopted father claimed that Azaeliyah’s bruises were the result of a fall in the shower. However, further investigation revealed disturbing details that painted a different picture.

A forensic pathologist determined that Azaeliyah’s cause of death was “multiple injuries from child abuse” and ruled it as a homicide. The young girl was found with extensive bruising, abrasions, wounds consistent with being bitten, and internal injuries likely from strangulation. Additionally, she tested positive for COVID-19, influenza, and pneumonia.

According to authorities, on the day of her death, Pili allegedly subjected Azaeliyah to physical abuse, forcing her to run outside despite being ill and assaulting her over a 30-minute period. As the investigation unfolded, Azaeliyah’s four siblings, also adopted by Pili, were taken into protective custody.

Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding her daughter’s death, Pili continued to work at Kahuku High and Intermediate School as a behavioral health specialist and adviser to the senior class. She also served as an adjunct professor in the social work department at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, but her employment was terminated following her arrest.

Pili is currently being held without bail at the Women’s Community Correctional Center in Kailua. As the case progresses, authorities are still investigating the girl’s adopted father. The community is reeling from the heartbreaking loss of Azaeliyah and demanding justice for the young girl who suffered such cruelty.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and holding those responsible for their well-being accountable. As the legal process unfolds, the memory of Azaeliyah Pili-Ah will continue to live on, sparking conversations about child protection and the duty of care that society owes to its most innocent members.