Tacoma woman who died after suffering cardiac arrest during break-in identified
A Tacoma woman who was hospitalized and later died after a burglary earlier this month has been identified.
Emily Tolley, 67, died following the July 14 break-in that took place in the 3700 block of Portland Avenue East, according to the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office in a news release.
The cause and manner of her death are pending. This means additional information is needed for certification.
Jermaine Dunbar, 27, has been charged in the incident for first-degree burglary. He was also charged with first-degree arson for allegedly trying to set a home on the fire the next day in the area where the break-in occurred. Dunbar allegedly broke into the home because he thought the women inside kidnapped his 5-year-old son. While inside the house, he allegedly was armed with a baseball bat and struck a dog several times. The dog was not seriously injured, according to the probable cause affidavit.
Tolley suffered cardiac arrest after she made a call to 911, which was not completed. She was taken to a hospital after emergency responders arrived.
Before Tolley died, prosecutors wrote in Dunbar’s charging documents that if she died then he might be charged with murder.
Prosecutors are waiting for the Tolley’s full autopsy report before upgrading Dunbar’s charge if it is appropriate, Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office spokesman Adam Faber told The News Tribune.
Dunbar is in custody at the Pierce County Jail on a $700,000 bail. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In an email to the News Tribune, Dunbar’s sister said that he has a history of mental illness and battles with paranoia.
In 2018, Dunbar pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment in Pierce County. Court records from the case show a mental competency test was ordered, and he met the diagnostic criteria for a history of substance-induced psychotic disorder. The report also determined Dunbar had the capacity to understand the court proceedings.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include details about Dunbar’s mental health.
This story was originally published July 29, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
