Hawaii – In a deeply disturbing incident in Hawaii, a 39-year-old mother, identified as Sina P., is facing serious charges after abusing her 11-year-old adopted daughter, identified as Azaeliyah P.,to death. Sina, a woman with professional ties to child welfare and education who worked as a behavioral health specialist at a high school, was indicted by a grand jury on severe allegations involving manslaughter and child endangerment.
On December 22, 2023, the police department, along with firefighters and emergency medical personnel, responded to distressing reports of an unresponsive juvenile at a residence. Upon arrival, first responders found the child’s father administering emergency procedures under guidance from a 911 dispatcher. Despite these efforts, the girl, identified as Azaeliyah, was rushed to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. Initial observations by the officers at the scene noted visible marks throughout Azaeliyah’s body. Both parents initially claimed ignorance about the origins of these injuries, suggesting they might have been caused by sports activities or an accidental fall in the shower.
As homicide detectives delved into the circumstances of Azaeliyah’s untimely death, child abuse investigators simultaneously opened cases regarding the potential mistreatment of Sina’s four other adopted children, all of whom were under the age of 12. This investigation revealed a pattern of severe and sustained abuse. Lt. D. Thoemmes of the Police Department disclosed chilling details of the events leading to Azaeliyah’s death. Despite being ill with a fever and reportedly suffering from influenza A, and pneumonia, Sina forced Azaeliyah to run outside on the morning of her death, according to reports.
But the abuse didn’t end there. Once in the home after “finishing the forced run,” the traumatic experience for Azaeliyah that ultimately led to her death continued. According to reports, Sina bit her adoptive daughter on the nose, and beat her repeatedly all over the body using her fists for about half an hour. The autopsy painted a gruesome picture of the abuse, listing extensive bruising, abrasions, and internal injuries consistent with a violent physical assault and possible strangulation.
Following these horrifying revelations, Sina was indicted on charges of manslaughter, endangering the welfare of a minor, and persistent nonsupport. She was arrested at the high school, where she worked as a behavioral health specialist. Prior to her arrest, Sina also taught as an adjunct professor at a private college in Hawaii, which has since terminated her contract and distanced itself from her actions. She is currently held without bond and is scheduled for arraignment on March 13. The severity of the allegations has rocked the local community, particularly given Sina’s professional background in social work and her role in education.
The case has not only triggered a legal battle but also a profound community and professional backlash against Sina, highlighting the tragic irony of her position of trust and her alleged actions. “Child torture is insidious. It is gradual, calculated, and systematic, and intended to break its victims completely,” Lt. Thoemmes stated, underscoring the deliberate and devastating nature of the abuse. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community continues to grapple with the shock and sorrow of such a betrayal, especially from someone who was entrusted with nurturing and protecting the welfare of children. The investigation into Azaeliyah’s adoptive father continues, leaving open questions about the full extent of the circumstances surrounding this tragic case.
