The search for a missing California mother ended in horror after police discovered her dismembered remains inside her ex-boyfriend’s Fresno home, authorities said, following what investigators described as the suspect’s attempt to leave the area before turning himself in.
Tatiana McIntyre, 29, who also went by Alison Riley, disappeared Tuesday after visiting the home of Jeffrey Vernon Michaels, the father of the two children they shared, according to relatives and investigators.
Alarm spread quickly when McIntyre did not arrive to pick up one of her children from school on Aug. 4.
Her ex-husband was notified that the child was still waiting and tried to contact her, but his calls went unanswered, prompting loved ones to begin a desperate search.
Family members said McIntyre’s phone last registered near Michaels’ residence at about 1 p.m. before it stopped transmitting a signal.
Relatives later traced the Zipcar rental she had been using to an orchard near McKinley and Academy avenues, where they found the vehicle abandoned with her personal items still inside.
Fresno police subsequently took the rental car into evidence as part of the investigation.
Investigators then served a search warrant at a home near Grove and Phillip streets, where property records indicate Michaels resides.
Inside, detectives found McIntyre dead with several lacerations, authorities said.
Police said Michaels initially fled Fresno after the killing but later contacted investigators and turned himself in Thursday evening.
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He is now locked up in the Fresno County Jail on a murder charge, with bail set at $1 million.
Police Chief Mindy Casto said investigators have not yet identified a motive.
McIntyre’s mother alleged Michaels had previously abused her daughter, claiming he once choked her and prevented her from leaving a home.
Family members also said he had a history of domestic violence.
The 29-year-old leaves behind seven children, including two she shared with Michaels.
Her family has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and care for the seven children left behind.
If you are the victim of domestic abuse, or you know someone who is, there is help available 24/7.
Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.
