Body found in car after high speed chase was driver’s mother

A woman found in the back of a Santa Cruz man’s vehicle after a lengthy high-speed pursuit in South Dakota on New Year’s Day has been identified 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 Lommen fled at speeds of up to 118 mph before his vehicle eventually came to a stop in Rapid City as a result of a spike strip.

Lommen attempted to flee the vehicle on foot but was detained. His mother’s remains were allegedly found during a subsequent search of the vehicle. He is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 17.