A Fresno man accused of stabbing to death his ex-girlfriend, a mother of seven, pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder Monday after failing to appear at two previous arraignments.
Jail officials said Jeffrey Michaels, 39, was being housed in an observation cell in the Fresno County Jail. The cell is used when staff believe an inmate may be a danger to himself.
On Monday, Michaels appeared with his public defender Marina Pincus to enter his not guilty plea.
Michaels is accused of killing 30-year-old Tatyana McIntyre, whose body was found inside his home in the 5700 block of East Grove Avenue. Police said McIntyre, a mother of seven, had lacerations to her upper body.
He avoided making eye contact with several of McIntyre’s family members who were in the audience and have vowed to be at every court hearing.
McIntyre was reported missing on Aug. 4 at approximately 7:45 p.m. after she failed to pick up her daughter from school and family members could not reach her.
Michaels and McIntyre had two small children together who are now in the custody of a family member.
If convicted on all charges, Michaels faces 26 years to life in prison, said Adam Christopherson, senior deputy district attorney. Michaels’ next court appearance is Sept. 23, where his bail will be discussed. He remains in the Fresno County jail.
The Fresno Bee
A Valley native, Robert has worked at The Fresno Bee since 1994, covering various topics including education, business, courts and agriculture.