Suspect in deadly Milton-Freewater robbery turns herself in
By Dan Thesman on Monday, February 26th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
MILTON-FREEWATER – The Milton-Freewater Police Department reports Emerald Julia Pena (Williams), 39, turned herself into the Umatilla County Jail Sunday at 9:30 p.m. on charges of second-degree manslaughter and first-degree robbery, both classified as Measure 11 crimes. Her hometown was not given.
Police Chief Joe Shurtz said the case is being forwarded to the Umatilla County District Attorney’s Office.
Pena was identified as a suspect in the February 18 robbery at the Red Tea Garden Chinese Restaurant. She allegedly took the change drawer from the bar’s cash register and left. Pena was confronted outside, then came back into the restaurant.
Family members of the victim and restaurant owner, Shu Yi Wu, 56, claims Pena threw Wu to the ground during the robbery. Wu sustained a traumatic head injury, underwent surgery, and passed away the following day.
A service for WU will be held this Saturday in Portland. Those who knew her personally are request to contact the family for more information.
Photo of Emerald Julia Pena (Williams) via MFPD
