On Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2018, a tragic incident cut short the life of 21-year-old Leuea Loto, a male college student and beloved member of his community. Loto was home from the College of San Mateo in California, where he played football, and had joined a pickup football game at his alma mater, Mount Rainier High School in Des Moines, near Seattle, Washington. The friendly game took a devastating turn when an argument broke out.
Shortly after the dispute, a vehicle drove by, and shots were fired, striking Loto.
Despite the immediate efforts to save him, Leuea Loto succumbed to his injuries. The news of his death sent shockwaves through his community, where he was remembered as a kind-hearted individual with a constant smile. More than a thousand people, including family, friends, and former teammates, gathered for a vigil at the high school to mourn his passing. During the emotional gathering, his father, Fale Loto, spoke of his profound loss but also expressed a message of forgiveness towards those responsible. His high school football coach announced the retirement of Loto's number 52 jersey in his honor.
The Des Moines Police Department launched an investigation into the homicide and appealed to the public for assistance. They urged anyone who was in the vicinity of Mount Rainier High School between 11:00 a.m. and noon on the day of the shooting to come forward with any information. Authorities also specifically requested that residents in the area check their outdoor surveillance cameras for any footage that might aid in identifying the vehicle and the individuals involved in the drive-by shooting. However, information regarding any specific suspects or subsequent arrests in connection with the death of Leuea Loto has not been made publicly available.
