Fifita Tau

Fire Victim's Murderer Sentenced

Suspect Charged in Burning Death

Victim Targeted in Gang Dispute

WEB An East Palo Alto man who allegedly set fire to a San Mateo home in a gang dispute that killed an 86-year-old woman has pleaded no contest to second-degree murder.

Fifita Tau, 28, was sentenced this month to 40 years to life in prison for the death of Susana Tonga. The fire was reported at 4:26 a.m. on Jan. 19, 2019, at a home in the 100 block of South Humboldt Street.

Tau is accused of setting the fire while targeting members of the West Side Tonga gang. Tonga was not a gang member and was killed in the fire.