Ex-boyfriend of missing Fresno mother turns himself in for murder, police say

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A 39-year-old man is behind bars and facing a murder charge in the death of Fresno mother Tatyana McIntyre after authorities say he turned himself in following a dayslong investigation.

Jeffrey Michaels is accused of killing McIntyre after she went to his home Tuesday to visit their two children, according to Fresno police.

McIntyre's family became concerned when she stopped communicating and failed to pick up her daughter from school that afternoon. They notified police.

"Officers arrived in about 10 minutes and began investigating, following up on numerous locations," Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto said.

After determining McIntyre's last known location was Michaels' home, investigators obtained a search warrant. During the search, officers found McIntyre's body in the garage.

"She received multiple lacerations to her upper body that resulted in her death," Casto said.

Police said Michaels fled in a borrowed vehicle after the killing. Using Flock license plate reader technology, investigators tracked him to the Salinas area.

According to Casto, a detective who had been communicating with Michaels persuaded him to return and surrender.

"This particular detective that made some type of a rapport was able to get him to do the right thing and get him to turn himself in," Casto said.

The weapon used in McIntyre's killing has not been recovered. Police said McIntyre's vehicle was later found abandoned in an orchard.

Surveillance video obtained by ABC30 shows McIntyre's Fiat being followed by Michaels' white truck nearby.

Asked whether investigators believe anyone else may have helped cover up the crime, Casto said police spoke with Michaels' parents.

"We did have reason to speak with Michael's parents; in fact, we did, and we believe that's who was driving the vehicles. Although that hasn't been confirmed yet, there's nobody outstanding at this time that we're looking for," Casto said.

Authorities said the couple had a tumultuous relationship and a documented history of domestic violence.

"He was just a scary guy," Alizabeth Lopez, the victim's sister, said.

"Nobody ever wants to think someone is capable of murder, but you never know," she added.

Alizabeth Lopez, McIntyre's sister, said the family had concerns about Michaels from the beginning.

"My family said from the moment they met him, he reminded them of Jeffrey Dahmer," Lopez said.

Although relieved Michaels is now in custody, McIntyre's family said they are still searching for answers about what led to her death.

"Was it jealousy? What makes you think that you're capable of taking a life of somebody that was so loved?" Lopez said.

Casto said the murder investigation leading to the arrest lasted only 63 hours but remains active. Michaels remains in custody with bail set at $1 million.

If you are the victim of domestic abuse, or you know someone who is, there is help available 24/7. In Fresno County, call the Marjaree Mason Center at (559) 233-4357. In all other locations, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.

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