Police seek 2 more in W.V. slaying

West Valley police today were looking for two additional people in connection with the homicide last week of a man found bound and gagged in a shed.

Investigators were looking for Fonua Kimoana, 29, and Makasini Lomu, 42, in connection with the death of Jay Wolfinger, 32, said West Valley Police Capt. Tom McLachlan.

Wolfinger was beaten inside his West Jordan apartment Thursday and then kidnapped, according to investigators. He was found badly beaten, bound and gagged in a shed near 4500 South and 3600 West. Wolfinger died shortly after being taken to the hospital.

A preliminary report from the state medical examiner showed the cause of death to be blunt-force trauma, McLachlan said.

Three people were arrested Thursday for investigation of aggravated kidnapping and aggravated murder. Makasini Lomu is the wife of Pailate Lomu, 44, one of the three already arrested.

Witnesses saw Pailate Lomu near the victim, according to jail documents. He had blood on his pants and shirt and told the witnesses in a very agitated way, "I beat him," according to jail records.

Police have not released a motive.

A check of Utah court records shows Makasini Lomu has a long criminal history, including convictions for theft, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief and forgery.

Detectives were also looking for two vehicles Monday but had limited descriptions. One is a older model beige Toyota Camry. The other is a maroon pickup truck with an extended cab, possibly a Ford, McLachlan said.

Anyone with information can call police at 840-4000.

— Pat Reavy

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