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Fife police identify suspect in 'random' fatal shooting of Army National guardsman

Fife police say they know who pulled the trigger - and are asking for the public's help in finding the 29-year-old suspect.

FIFE, Wash. — Fife police are asking for the public's help in finding a suspect they believe shot and killed 23-year-old Rudolph King III, an active-duty commissioned officer with the Army National Guard, while he was driving home from the base in mid-September.

Andrew Fonoti, 29, is the man police believe is responsible, and the public is now being offered up to $1,000 if they can help locate him. Crime Stoppers of Tacoma-Pierce County are distributing flyers with Fonoti's photo.

"We do know he has connections in King County, in Pierce County," said Assistant Chief of Police Aaron Gardner. "We certainly know who pulled the trigger, and that's Andrew."

Gardner said the killing happened at random, and was not preceded by an altercation of any kind.

"[King] was actually on the phone with loved ones when he was killed," said Gardner.

Gardner has an active warrant for Fonoti's arrest with possible charges of first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle.

Sarah Layne, who is also an active-duty commissioned officer with the Army National Guard, was getting ready to plan her wedding with King when she learned of her horrific loss.

"His parents raised a beautiful, wonderful, generous son," Layne told KING 5 in September. "We met both going to Pacific Lutheran University."

King is from Milton, and his parents, who he was said to be very close with, still live there. They now have to make sense of the pain that comes with putting one less place setting at the table for Thanksgiving this year.

"It's been an utter shock," said Layne. "My life has been completely uprooted ... and we need help solving this."

Recognizing King's sacrifice and devotion in his lifetime, Gardner said detectives made solving this case a priority. "[King] dedicated his his whole life to serving his community," said Gardner.

Police detectives worked "nonstop" on this case to identify the suspect, the assistant police chief said. 

You're asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Tacoma-Pierce County with any information that may lead to Fonoti's arrest. You can also call 1-800-222-TIPS.

    

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