Tatiana McIntyre, 29, was reported missing after visiting her ex-boyfriend Jeffrey Vernon Michaels in Fresno and was later found dead inside his home with multiple lacerations. Her phone last pinged at Michaels’ residence and relatives found the Zipcar she was driving abandoned nearby with her belongings inside. Police say Michaels fled the area after the killing but surrendered to investigators and is now jailed on a murder charge with $1 million bail. Family members allege Michaels had a history of domestic violence; McIntyre leaves seven children and the family has started a GoFundMe to help cover expenses.
Ex-Boyfriend Surrenders After Fresno Mother Found Fatally Wounded in His Home
A missing Fresno mother was found dead inside her ex-boyfriend's home after authorities say the suspect initially fled the area and later turned himself in.
Her family feared "foul play." Jam Press
Tatiana McIntyre, 29 — who also used the name Alison Riley — disappeared on Tuesday after visiting the Fresno residence of Jeffrey Vernon Michaels to see the two children they shared. The alarm was raised when McIntyre failed to pick up one of her children from school on Aug. 4 and could not be reached by family members.
Inside, detectives found McIntyre dead with several lacerations, authorities said. Jam Press
Timeline and Investigation
Investigators say McIntyre's phone last pinged at Michaels' home at about 1 p.m. before the device went dead. Relatives located the Zipcar she had been driving abandoned in an orchard near McKinley and Academy avenues with her personal items still inside; police later seized the vehicle as evidence.
Homicide detectives remained on the scene of a death investigation at a home along East Grove Avenue in Fresno. FOX26
Homicide detectives executed a search warrant at a residence along East Grove Avenue (near Grove and Phillip streets), where property records list Michaels as the occupant. Inside the home, detectives discovered McIntyre dead with multiple lacerations, according to authorities.
He is now locked up in the Fresno County Jail.
Police say Michaels initially left Fresno after the killing but later made contact with investigators and surrendered to authorities on Thursday evening. He is being held at the Fresno County Jail on a murder charge with bail set at $1 million. Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto said investigators have not yet established a motive.
A heavy police presence is seen at the home of an ex-boyfriend after a Fresno woman disappeared. KMPH
Family Allegations and Aftermath
McIntyre's mother told reporters that Michaels had previously abused her daughter, alleging he once choked her and prevented her from leaving a home. Family members also said Michaels had a history of domestic violence.
If you are the victim of domestic abuse, or you know someone who is, there is help available 24/7.
The 29-year-old leaves behind seven children, including the two she shared with Michaels. Her family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and provide support for the children.
Resources: If you are the victim of domestic abuse or know someone who is, help is available 24/7. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.
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