College Place woman sentenced to 31 months for fatal 2025 hit-and-run
By Dan Thesman on Friday, May 22nd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
WALLA WALLA — A College Place woman was sentenced Thursday to 31 months in prison for a 2025 hit-and-run collision that killed a prominent local search-and-rescue volunteer.
Tycie Mae Harper Rongey, 27, was sentenced by Walla Walla County Superior Court Judge Patricia Fulton. Rongey previously pleaded guilty to hit-and-run resulting in a fatality and third-degree driving with a suspended license.
The charges stem from a May 24, 2025, accident at West Poplar Street and South 11th Avenue in Walla Walla. The victim, U.S. Navy veteran Robert E. DeWayne, 71, died from his injuries four days later. Rongey turned herself in to police shortly after the incident.
Walla Walla County Prosecuting Attorney Gabe Acosta argued for a standard-range sentence, pointing out that Rongey was arrested on an unrelated second-degree assault charge in April 2026 while out on bail.
Defense Attorney Julie Carl sought a parenting sentencing alternative, highlighting Rongey’s college achievements, sobriety progress, and the best interests of her 4-year-old daughter. DeWayne’s wife, Tanya DeWayne, also expressed a desire for rehabilitation over prison, noting her late husband’s capacity for grace.
Ultimately, Judge Fulton denied the alternative program, citing Rongey’s criminal history, but applied downward mitigation to issue the low-end sentence of 31 months. Rongey was also sentenced to a concurrent 90 days for the license violation.
Rongey, who is currently pregnant, expressed remorse to the court, stating she reacted out of fear and trauma due to past domestic violence.
