Man sentenced nearly 35 years for ‘senseless’ killing of National Guard officer
A man who killed a National Guard officer in a drive-by shooting two years ago was sentenced to 34 years and 9 months in prison Friday.
Andrew Lautogia Fonoti, 30, pled guilty to second degree murder, drive-by shooting, unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle and unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree, according to Pierce County Superior Court records.
Both the prosecution and defense agreed to the sentencing recommendation.
Case Details
On Sept. 12, 2023, Fonoti shot and killed 23-year-old Rudolph King III while he was driving, causing King’s car to move off the road and hit a lamppost, charging documents say.
King was an active-duty member of the National Guard and was calling his parents at the time of the shooting. His parents recalled talking with him about a flag football game on the phone when out of nowhere the call “went dead”. They didn’t hear yelling or anything else out of the ordinary that would indicate an altercation.
His death was initially reported as a car crash. It wasn’t until the medical examiner arrived that they found a gunshot wound behind his left ear and determined it was a homicide.
Detectives used nearby surveillance camera footage to determine the victim was shot near the 6600 block of 20th Street East from a stolen 2013 gold Toyota Camry.
The car was located a few days later with bullet holes in its windshield, live rounds in the driver’s door pocket and the word “Drewsky” graffitied on the car’s steering wheel. It was later discovered that this was Fonoti’s nickname.
Authorities determined that Fonoti was a passenger in the car along with 19-year-old Jedidiah Taimi and a 14-year-old boy.
One witness who interacted with the suspects after the homicide saw Fonoti leave the passenger seat, Taimi leave the driver’s seat and the 14-year-old get out of the back of the car. They described Fonoti as being “all excited that he just shot a gun, and that he hit that person,” charging documents described.
Another witness who spoke with the suspects the morning after the shooting heard Fonoti and Taimi “bragging” about shooting a man. The witness also recalled the pair always had guns with them.
Fonoti was arrested Dec. 21, 2023 and entered a guilty plea Oct. 23, 2025.
Taimi also pled guilty Oct. 17 this year to first degree murder, drive-by shooting, unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle and unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree. His sentencing will take place Dec. 15.
Sentencing
Over two dozen people showed up to the courtroom to watch Fonoti’s sentencing. Before the sentence was determined, ten people took to the stand to share victim impact statements, including his family members and closest friends.
In a tearful statement to the court, the victim’s father, Rudolph King Jr., described his son’s dedication to his work, school and family. His son was a straight-A student who balanced multiple jobs while serving in the National Guard, he said.
“I know everybody in this courtroom, all of his family, this whole country, should mourn, because more was taken from us than just my son,” King said. “He was a soldier. He was a good friend and he was taken from his fiance. They took my namesake. They took everything.”
Kristin King, the victim’s mother, described the anguish she’s experienced over the two years since she’s lost her son. She no longer celebrates Christmas, as it is too painful to experience what was her son’s favorite holiday.
“It’s truly my worst nightmare,” she said. “It’s something that I never expected to happen for he was just an amazing person. Everyone who was a part of his life just felt the light that he brought.”
Prior to his sentencing, Fonoti offered a brief apology to the courtroom. “I just want to apologize to the family,” Fonoti said. “I’m really sorry for what I did.”
Judge Alicia Burton issued a no-contact order between Fonoti and the victim’s family along with the 417-month sentence.
“The homicide reflects a grave and tragic disregard for the value and fragility of human life,” Burton said. “A split-second decision born of anger, impatience and escalation ended a life that was precious.”
This story was originally published November 22, 2025 at 1:10 PM with the headline "Man sentenced nearly 35 years for ‘senseless’ killing of National Guard officer."
