CRIME BLOTTER

Second driver charged in death of Federal Way football player Deejay Tuiasosopo

Oct 29, 2026, 5:22 PM | Updated: 5:37 pm

Federal Way teen killed...

(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)

King County prosecutors have now charged two drivers in a fatal Federal Way crash that killed 16-year-old Deejay Tuiasosopo.

Luis Cortes Santos, 20, was booked into the King County Jail this morning on a $200,000 warrant. He’s scheduled for arraignment Nov. 9.

Prosecutors alleged Santos was driving about 87 mph in a 45 mph zone when he collided with a pickup, then into Tuiasosopo. He’s been charged with vehicular homicide in a reckless manner and with disregard for the safety of others.

Both drivers face vehicular homicide charges, held on $200,000 bail

The second defendant, 29-year-old Roberto Alexander Emory, 29, was previously charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence and with disregard for the safety of others.

Prosecutors said he was driving a Ford F-150, made a left turn on a flashing yellow arrow, and had a preliminary breath test result of 0.170, more than twice the legal limit. He remains jailed on $200,000 bail, with arraignment scheduled for Nov. 2.

According to charging documents, the Lexus driven by Santos struck Emory’s truck, then hit Tuiasosopo before crashing into a pole. Investigators said crash data showed the Lexus was traveling about 87.6 mph five seconds before impact and that the driver did not brake before the collision.

Both defendants are charged with vehicular homicide. Both are held on $200,000 bail.

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