HONOLULU (KHON2) — The woman accused of torturing and killing her adopted daughter appeared in court for the first time on Thursday, March 13.
This latest case has shocked the community and raised urgent questions about the alarming rise in cases of extreme child cruelty.
Sina Pili appeared before a judge, shackled and silent, as her attorney entered a plea of not guilty.
Several of her family members were in the courtroom, some in tears as they left, declining to make any statements.
Pili was indicted for what prosecutors said was a pattern of severe physical abuse of her 11-year-old Azaeliyuah Pili Ah You, who was found unresponsive at home in December 2023.
According to police, she had deep bruises covering her face and body and later died at the hospital.
Pili’s arrest follows on the heels of notorious child abuse cases such as Peter Boy Kema, Isabella Kalua, Geanna Bradley and most recently, Sarai Perez-Riviera.
City prosecutors said the seeming rise in severe child abuse cases may be due to more awareness and education.
The FBI recently released their behavioral analysis report to provide research on such cases, including crimes against children.
“Child abuse has been on the radar for so many years but now we have more expansive training on what torture looks like,” said Tiffany Kaeo, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney.
Others are calling for increased support for youth in the child welfare system.
A bill in the legislature would provide an attorney for foster children and a bill making torture a felony was recently approved by a House committee.
Pili, who worked at Kahuku High and Intermediate as a mental health student counselor until she was arrested last week, has been placed on leave.
The Department of Education said there have been no complaints or previous investigations against her.
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The judge ruled that Sina Pili will remain in custody without bail. Her trial has been scheduled for May 12.