Fresno, California — A California mother of seven went to her former boyfriend’s home to spend time with the two young children they shared. Hours later, her family was desperately searching for answers after she stopped responding to messages and failed to pick up another daughter from school.
Tatyana Riley, 30, who was also known as “Alison” to her family, was reported missing on August 4.
According to the Fresno Police Department, investigators later found Riley dead inside a Fresno residence. Police identified her ex-boyfriend, Jeffrey Michaels, as the suspect in her killing.
Michaels turned himself in on August 6 and was taken into custody on a murder charge.
Family Became Concerned When Riley Stopped Responding
Police Chief Mindy Casto said Riley had gone to Michaels’ home that day to visit their two children. Her family became increasingly worried when she suddenly stopped communicating and did not arrive to pick up another daughter from school.
Riley’s sister, Alizabeth Lopez, said relatives last heard from Riley at approximately 1 p.m., shortly after she arrived at the home.
“We think that he baited her; they weren’t there,” Lopez alleged.
Riley’s family later described her disappearance as completely unexpected. Her sister wrote in a fundraising campaign created for Riley’s children that Riley had been stopping by to see her two youngest children when contact with her suddenly ended.
Her mother, Liberty Lopez, said she last spoke with Riley at 12:06 p.m. Her daughter’s phone was later turned off.
Riley’s Vehicle Found Abandoned in Orchard
As the search continued, investigators discovered Riley’s vehicle abandoned in an orchard. Surveillance footage showed Riley’s Fiat being followed by Michaels’ white truck, according to reports.
Police said Riley was officially reported missing at approximately 7:45 p.m. on August 4.
Officers searched several locations before detectives with the department’s Domestic Violence Unit determined that Riley’s last known location was a residence on East Grove Avenue.
Investigators obtained a search warrant for the property. Inside, they discovered evidence that a disturbance had occurred, according to police. Riley was ultimately found dead in the garage.
Police Say Riley Suffered Fatal Injuries
According to Chief Casto, Riley had suffered multiple lacerations to her upper body, which caused her death. Police said no one else was inside the home when the search warrant was executed.
Two small children associated with the location were found safe and accounted for, authorities said. The weapon allegedly used in Riley’s killing had not been recovered as of the August 7 police briefing.
Suspect Allegedly Fled Before Turning Himself In
Investigators believe Michaels left Fresno in a borrowed vehicle following Riley’s death. Police used license plate reader technology to track him to the Salinas area.
A detective eventually established communication with Michaels and persuaded him to return to Fresno and surrender, according to the police chief.
Michaels was then taken into custody on suspicion of murder. As of August 14, however, he had twice failed to appear for his scheduled arraignments.
He was reportedly being held in an observation cell at the Fresno County Jail because officials believed he could pose a danger to himself.
A judge said he would review Michaels’ mental health status and determine whether he needed to be brought from the cell for court proceedings. He had not entered a plea as of that date.
Mother Says Daughter Had Warned Her About Ex
Perhaps one of the most haunting details to emerge after Riley’s death was a message she allegedly sent to her mother before she was killed. According to her sister, Riley had written a warning about Michaels.
“If I ever get harmed just know he did it.”
Alizabeth said the message immediately raised concerns among family members. She also told that she had frequently heard Riley and Michaels arguing during the previous year when she lived next door.
“He was a scary man,” she said.
Police have said the former couple had a tumultuous relationship and documented history of domestic violence.
Family Demands Answers and Justice
Riley’s family has continued attending court proceedings and remembering her as a loving mother, sister and friend. About 10 relatives and friends reportedly attended both scheduled arraignments.
Riley’s mother expressed frustration after Michaels failed to appear again.
“I think he’s just being a coward,” she said, adding that he needed to face the consequences of what allegedly happened.
In a tribute to her daughter, Liberty wrote that Riley’s children were safe and promised that the family would continue attending court dates, placing flowers and keeping her memory alive.
Riley’s sister remembered her as someone who loved Disneyland and devoted herself to her family. Now, her loved ones say they are focused on getting answers about her death and ensuring that the case moves forward.
“We just want answers,” Alizabeth said. “Ultimately that’s the goal. We want justice for our sister.”
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