A 20-year-old Spanaway man is now facing serious charges after a deadly car crash in Tacoma on December 30 that claimed the life of a 74-year-old woman. According to court records, Loritana Auomanu has been charged with second-degree murder, vehicular homicide, attempting to elude police, reckless driving, and underage drinking.
What Happened That Night
The tragic incident began around 9:15 p.m. on State Route 7 when a Washington State Patrol trooper noticed a Toyota Corolla swerving between lanes and driving onto turn lane lines. The car eventually stopped at a red light on South 72nd Street, and the trooper approached the driver, who reportedly smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot, watery eyes.
When asked for his license, the driver said he didn’t have one. As the trooper told him to stop the vehicle, the driver suddenly sped off. The trooper gave chase for a short time but turned off his emergency lights and continued east along South 72nd Street.
Soon after, the trooper saw a large cloud of smoke.
A Deadly Collision
The Toyota had crashed into a Nissan Murano. The impact was so severe that the Toyota caught fire. The driver, now identified as Loritana Auomanu, was seriously injured and had to be pulled from the burning vehicle. Inside his car, officers allegedly found multiple open alcohol containers.
The 74-year-old driver of the Nissan Murano, later identified as Gayle Horner of Auburn, was found unresponsive at the scene. She was rushed to a Tacoma hospital but tragically died from her injuries. The Pierce County Medical Examiner confirmed that she died from multiple blunt-force injuries and ruled her death an accident.
Legal Action and Court Hearing
Auomanu was taken to Tacoma General Hospital for treatment and later charged. During a court hearing on Friday, a not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf. The judge set his bail at $150,000.
The Tacoma Police Department has now taken over the case and completed the investigation. Auomanu could face years in prison if convicted, especially with the seriousness of the charges against him.
Community Shock and Road Safety Concerns
This tragedy has raised concerns once again about road safety and the risks of drunk driving, especially among young drivers. Losing a loved one due to someone else’s reckless actions is heartbreaking, and residents are calling for stricter enforcement and more awareness around driving under the influence.
