PIERRE, S.D. -Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that law enforcement has confirmed the identity of the deceased female found in connection with the arrest of Tosten David Walsh Lommen, 30, Santa Cruz, California. Michelle Nanette Walsh, 58, Palm Springs, California, was found located in the rear of the vehicle driven by Lommen during the traffic enforcement stop.

“South Dakota law enforcement is continuing to work with California investigators and prosecutors on this ongoing death investigation,” said Jackley.  “This arrest is a great example of the coordinated efforts of state and local law enforcement and the difficult work they face each day to protect us.”

On Jan. 1, 2018, at approximately 11:55 a.m. (MST), a South Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper observed Lommen traveling eastbound on I-90 in Lawrence County at speeds in excess of 100 mph. The trooper attempted to initiate a traffic enforcement stop, but the subject failed to stop. The pursuit continued east on I-90 from Spearfish to Rapid City, reaching speeds of about 118 mph.  Law enforcement did successfully spike the vehicle which eventually came to a stop on I-90. 

An autopsy was conducted on January 3, 2017, and those results are still pending. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 17, 2018.

Agencies that assisted were the South Dakota Highway Patrol, Meade County Sheriff Office, Rapid City Police Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office and the Division of Criminal Investigation.

-

-30-