In a tragic incident that shook the community of Tacoma, Washington, a mother of seven was found slain in a local park last December. The authorities are now investigating whether her death was a retaliatory act, potentially linked to her alleged cooperation with the police regarding an accused rapist.
The victim, Ngaire Tusi, was tragically killed on December 18th. Reports from KOMO News, The Spokesman-Review, and KING 5 suggest that Muhammad Takseem Salanoa, the uncle of James Salanoa Jr., may have been responsible for her murder. James, who was Muhammad's nephew, had previously been accused of kidnapping and raping a woman at gunpoint on November 18th. However, during a police pursuit that took place ten days later on November 28th, James was killed.
According to court documents cited in the reports, police believe Muhammad became enraged at individuals who were cooperating with law enforcement in relation to his nephew's crimes. It is alleged that Tusi, tragically, was one of the people targeted by his anger due to her supposed interaction with the authorities.
Surveillance footage reportedly captured Muhammad's vehicle at Madrona Park, where Tusi's lifeless body was discovered, at around 2:30 a.m. on the day of the incident. Another vehicle arrived shortly thereafter, and a gunshot was heard at approximately 2:44 a.m., according to prosecutors cited by The Spokesman-Review.
Muhammad has subsequently been charged with first-degree murder and first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, as per online jail records reviewed by PEOPLE. However, it's important to note that he has entered a plea of not guilty.
The devastating loss of Tusi has left her family, friends, and the community in mourning. A GoFundMe page was set up in her honor, speaking to her remarkable qualities and the profound impact she had on those around her. Tusi, described as an amazing mother, wife, daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, in-law, and friend, leaves behind seven children – four daughters and three sons. The description on the fundraising page conveys the deep pain felt by her loved ones, stating that their hearts have been shattered and their lives forever altered.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of this beloved mother and awaits justice for her untimely death.
