Body Found In Santa Cruz Man's Car ID'd As His Mom

SANTA CRUZ, CA – A woman found in the back of a Santa Cruz man's SUV after a lengthy high-speed pursuit in South Dakota on New Year's Day was identified today as his mother, according to the state attorney general.

Michelle Nanette Walsh, 58, was a resident of Palm Springs. An autopsy was scheduled Wednesday but the results are still pending, according to South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley.

Tosten David Walsh Lommen, 30, was allegedly spotted traveling at speeds over 100 mph on eastbound Interstate Highway 90 by South Dakota Highway Patrol troopers in the vicinity of Spearfish at 11:55 a.m. local time.

Troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but Walsh Lommen fled at speeds of up to 118 mph, triggering a pursuit that ended some 50 miles later, when his vehicle eventually came to a stop in Rapid City as a result of a spike strip.

Walsh Lommen attempted to flee the vehicle on foot but was detained. His mother's remains were allegedly found during a subsequent search of the SUV.

"South Dakota law enforcement is continuing to work with California investigators and prosecutors on this ongoing death investigation," Jackley said. "This arrest is a great example of the coordinated efforts of state and local law enforcement and the difficult work they face each day to protect us."

Prior to his arrest, Walsh Lommen had been staying in Palm Springs, possibly with his mother.

Palm Springs Sgt. William Hutchinson said Wednesday the department was working with South Dakota authorities in the ongoing investigation, but could not speak further to Walsh-Lommen's connections to Palm Springs.

Walsh Lommen is currently being held in lieu of $2.5 million bail in Pennington County, South Dakota, on suspicion of aggravated eluding law enforcement, resisting arrest, DUI, reckless driving and other alleged crimes related to the pursuit. Pennington County jail records do not indicate he's being held on suspicion of murder.

He's due for a preliminary hearing Jan. 17 in South Dakota.

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--Bay City News and City News Service contributed to this report/Image via Renee Schiavone, Patch