A man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend turned himself in at Fresno police headquarters late Thursday, Chief Mindy Casto said in an update Friday.
Jeffrey Vernon Michaels arrived at police headquarters at 11 p.m. Thursday and was booked into Fresno County jail at 1:49 a.m. Friday on suspicion of murder in the death of Tatyana McIntyre, 30.
Officers responded to the 4400 block of East Richert Avenue on Tuesday, Aug. 4 after receiving a missing person report for McIntyre. Officers searched multiple locations throughout Fresno but were unable to find her.
Domestic Violence Unit detectives determined McIntyre’s last known location was a home in the 5700 block of East Grove Avenue, near Church and Jensen avenues.
After obtaining a search warrant, detectives found McIntyre dead inside the home. She also goes by Alison Riley.
Police said no one else was inside the home when officers arrived.
Detectives also found evidence of a disturbance inside the home.
Police Chief Mindy Casto said on Friday that McIntyre had lacerations to her upper body and that the weapon was never recovered.
Casto said Michaels fled to Salinas and were able to detect that by the use of the Flock cameras that read his license plate. He returned to Fresno after talking to a detective before turning himself in.
The two children who live at the home were found safe.
Jeffrey Vernon Michaels, right, was arrested on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026 on suspicion of murder in the death of Tatyana McIntyre, 30, left. Special to The Bee
McIntyre’s rental car was found abandoned in an orchard near McKinley and Academy avenues.
Casto didn’t elaborate who drove the car to the location. She said there have been reported and unreported incidents involving Michaels and McIntyre.
McIntyre’s mother, Liberty Lopez, said McIntyre was supposed to pick up her granddaughter from school but never arrived. The last time they spoke was at 12:06 p.m. Tuesday, and McIntyre’s phone was later turned off.
An ex-husband who shares a child with McIntyre notified police about his concerns since their daughter wasn’t picked up, Casto said.
McIntyre was the mother of seven children.
The sister of McIntyre said she frequently heard arguments and fights between McIntyre and her ex-boyfriend over the past year when she lived next door.
“I think we all just want justice,” Alizabeth Lopez said Thursday. “He has a history of being abusive. He was a scary man. If anyone has any information, contact the police.”
“I miss you so much. I can’t stop hurting. I feel numb inside; I keep looking at my phone for your text ‘HEY WOMAN,’” Lopez wrote in a Facebook post. “I miss your smile and those beautiful green eyes.”
The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses.
Michaels’ bail is set at $1 million.
Anyone with information is asked to remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867 or to contact Fresno Police homicide Detective Alex Lopez at 559-621-2407 or Detective Nathan Carr at 559-621-2445.
This story was originally published August 7, 2026 at 12:33 PM.
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Anthony Galaviz writes about breaking news/sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He’s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology.
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Nick Fenley is a reporter covering education, lawsuits, breaking news and more for The Fresno Bee. He’s originally from the Imperial Valley and joined The Bee in 2025.