A harrowing chase reached its climax when Tacoma police nabbed the second suspect tied to the murder of a local mother of seven. The suspect, identified as Apeu Sone Tauanuu, was caught after a pursuit on State Route 16 reached speeds hitting over 120 mph, as per a FOX13 Seattle report.
33-year-old Tauanuu tried fleeing when officers spotted him driving in Tacoma's South End. His dash for freedom ended near Wollochet Drive in Gig Harbor, where he was detained without further incident. Reports indicated that Tauanuu's arrest was linked to a December murder.
Ngaire Tusi, aged 32, was found dead back on Dec. 18 in Oakland Madrona Park. A dark tale unfolds as Tusi, who had given law enforcement information about a rape suspect, was discovered beaten and shot in the head, as detailed by KIRO 7. The brutal end she met speaks to the violence that shadows those brave enough to stand for justice.
On Wednesday, Tauanuu pled not guilty to several charges, including first-degree murder and attempting to elude police, with bail set at $1.5 million for the murder charge and an additional $20,000 for the attempted eluding, as mentioned by KING 5 News. Previous reports had charged another man, Muhammed Salanoa, earlier this year in connection with Tusi's murder, shedding light on the alleged conspiracy that led to her untimely demise.
