Police have confirmed that the body found in the back of an SUV in South Dakota following a high speed pursuit on New Year’s Day was the suspect’s mother.
Palm Springs police confirm body of former Palm Springs man's mom was found in his vehicle after South Dakota chase @MyDesert
— Colin Atagi (@TDSColinAtagi) January 4, 2018
Breaking: State investigators have identified the victim found in trunk of car as 58-year-old Michelle Nanette Walsh, of Palm Springs, CA. Her body was found inside the car after a high-speed pursuit near Rapid City.
— KELOLAND News (@keloland) January 4, 2018
Police say they saw an SUV driving at speeds over 100 mph on I-90 in South Dakota on Monday, according to CBS News. A 50-mile long pursuit ensued which reached speeds of 118 mph until authorities used spike strips to stop the vehicle.
Tosten Walsh Lommen, 30, was arrested at the scene. Police say his blood alcohol level was 0.142 and a growler smelling of alcohol and prescription bottles were found in the SUV.
Authorities searched the vehicle and found the body of 58-year-old Michelle Nanette Walsh, of Palm Springs, wrapped in a blanket in the rear of the SUV.
“There was a deceased person found in the vehicle,” Assistant State Attorney General Gina Nelson told the Rapid City Journal. She added that the cause of death remains unexplained and under investigation. Nelson said Walsh Lommen has a history with drugs, firearms and assault.
The Desert Sun reports that Lommen’s last known address was inside the Escena development in Palm Springs.
Lommen faces charges including aggravated eluding and drunken driving.
