Washington state authorities are investigating whether a mother of seven was murdered for providing information to police about an accused rapist, KOMO-TV reports.
The probe involves the death of Ngaire Tusi, who was found dead December 18 at Oakland Madrona Park in Tacoma. The medical examiner ruled her death a homicide caused by a gunshot wound to the head.
Investigators believe Muhammad Takseem Salanoa killed Tusi because she was allegedly cooperating with police while they were searching for his nephew, 22-year-old James Salanoa Jr., who was suspected of raping a woman at gunpoint.
Officers shot and killed James Salanoa on November 28.
Court records obtained by the television station show Muhammad Salanoa was “upset about people cooperating with the police and providing them with information about his nephew.
The documents also show Tusi “was being accused of being a ‘snitch’ and providing information to police about James Salanoa who had been wanted by police for a kidnapping, rape and robbery,” according to KOMO-TV.
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Video from a security camera showed Tusi was shot around 2:30 a.m., with three men running away hours later, potentially after returning to the scene to look for something left behind.
Another video appears to show two vehicles in the area, including one in which Muhammad Salanoa can be seen getting out following Tusi’s murder. Investigators believe Muhammad Salanoa and others also attacked another woman who may have provided information to police about James.
Muhammad Salanoa is in custody and is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, and unlawful possession of a firearm. He has pleaded not guilty.
Tusi’s children range in age from 6 months to 9 years old.
At a court hearing on Friday, Louie Lese, Tusi’s family member, said he hopes Muhammad Salanoa will be held accountable.
“My regret is I wasn’t there to protect her, to stop this from happening,” Lese told KIRO-TV. “I hope justice comes down hard on him.”
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[Feature Photo: Ngaire Tusi/GoFundMe ]
