Trial date set for Emerald Williams

By on Monday, June 24th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

MILTON-FREEWATER – The woman accused of second-degree manslaughter in the death of Shu Yi Wu, 56, of Milton-Freewater has a trial date.

“We are setting the manslaughter trial for Emerald Williams out of Milton-Freewater coming up in the fall,” Umatilla County District Attorney Dan Primus said. “That was the homicide from the Red Tea Garden.

Williams, 40, is also charged with first-degree robbery in the incident on Feb. 18. Family members of the victim allege that Williams (who was misidentified by police with her maiden name of Pena at the time) threw the restaurant owner to the ground. She sustained a traumatic head injury, underwent surgery, and died the next day.

Williams’ trial will be held Sept. 4-5 in Sixth Circuit Court Judge Jon Lieuallen’s courtroom in Pendleton. Both charges against Williams are Measure 11 crimes. Manslaughter II carries a sentence of at least six years and three months. First-degree robbery carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years and six months.

Photo released by Milton-Freewater police prior to Williams arrest.