For the second time in a week, accused killer Jeffrey Michaels has failed to appear for his arraignment in connection with the stabbing death of his ex-girlfriend.
Michaels has been in an observation cell at the Fresno County Jail because jail officials believe he may be a danger to himself.
Michaels is charged with the murder of 30-year-old Tatyana McIntyre, whose body was found inside Michaels’ home in the 5700 block of East Grove Avenue. Police said McIntyre, a mother of seven, had lacerations to her upper body.
Fresno County Superior Court judge Ryan I. Wells said Thursday he will review Michaels’s mental health status and determine on Monday if he will need to be extracted from his cell.
Michaels was arrested Aug. 6 and has yet to enter a plea in the case against him.
About 10 friends and family members of McIntyre’s attended both of Michaels’ arraignment hearings and vow to be in court every time he appears.
Liberty Lopez, McIntyre’s mother, said Thursday that she doesn’t believe Michaels is going through a mental health crisis. She said he’s afraid to face her and the other family members.
“I think he’s just being a coward,” Lopez said. “He doesn’t want to see everybody. He’s afraid to face the fact that he did this. But he needs to show his face and stop being a coward.”
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
This story was originally published August 14, 2026 at 3:22 PM.
Related Stories from Fresno Bee
The Fresno Bee
A Valley native, Robert has worked at The Fresno Bee since 1994, covering various topics including education, business, courts and agriculture.