Focus now on driver in Pacific Bullion murder

VANCOUVER, Wash. (KOIN) — As Vancouver police continue to investigate the murder of Bentley Brookes at a precious metals shop November 25, their focus has turned to a “person of interest” who was with the suspected killer.

Brookes, 58, was shot to death at Pacific Bullion Precious Metals. Investigators believe Ailiana Siufanua killed him and then fled. Brookes’ sister told KOIN 6 News surveillance video showed a young woman walked into the store and without hesitation shot Brookes and then “grabs some stuff.”

Siufanua, 18, was a passenger in a car driven by Thomas Leae. California Highway Patrol officers tried pulling the pair over during a traffic stop, and they crashed into a tree in an attempt to get away.

Leae was seriously injured in the crash and Siufanua was found dead at the scene, police said.

Now authorities want to know more about the 21-year-old Leae. Specifically, investigators want to know where he was between November 18-30.

Anyone with information is asked to email Vancouver Police Det. Lawrence Zapata.