Fresno police discovered the body of Tatiana McIntyre, 29, inside the home of her ex-boyfriend, Jeffrey Vernon Michaels, after she was reported missing on Tuesday. McIntyre, who also went by the name Alison Riley, vanished after going to Michaels' residence to see their two children.
Her family initiated a search when she failed to pick up one of her children from school and her phone last pinged at Michaels' home before going dead. Relatives located the Zipcar she was driving abandoned in an orchard with her belongings still inside. Police later seized the vehicle as evidence.
Investigators executed a search warrant at Michaels' home, where they found McIntyre deceased with multiple lacerations. Authorities stated that Michaels initially fled Fresno but surrendered to investigators on Thursday evening. He is currently held in the Fresno County Jail on a murder charge, with bail set at $1 million.
Police Chief Mindy Casto indicated that a motive for the killing has not yet been determined. Relatives of McIntyre have alleged that Michaels has a history of domestic violence, with her mother claiming he had previously choked McIntyre and prevented her from leaving a home.
McIntyre is survived by seven children, including the two she shared with Michaels. Her family has established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and the care of her children.