Suspect in deadly Milton-Freewater robbery indicted on felony charges
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, March 5th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The suspect in the February 18 robbery of the Red Tea Garden Chinese Restaurant in Milton-Freewater has been indicted on felony charges. Emerald J. (Pena) Williams, 39, whose hometown has not been released, is charged with first-degree robbery and second-degree manslaughter.
She had a probable cause preliminary hearing scheduled Monday afternoon in Umatilla County Circuit Court in Pendleton.
Williams allegedly engaged in an altercation that resulted in the death of the restaurant’s owner. The victim, Shu Yi Wu, 56, later died of injuries she sustained in the incident.
A week after the incident, Williams turned herself in to the authorities.
According to court documents, she has five past felony convictions in Oregon, mostly on drug-related charges. Williams’ most recent felony conviction was in 2016 for possession of methamphetamine.
Williams is being held in the Umatilla County Jail on a $250,000 bond.
For clarification purposes, Williams was originally identified by her maiden name, Pena, by the Milton-Freewater Police Department.
Photo of Emerald Julia (Pena) Williams via MFPD
