Tragedy struck on a New York mother’s 34th birthday when she was killed during a shootout between her alleged abductor and the police. Tatiana David, from Ithaca, NY, was reportedly abducted from her home on Wednesday morning and forced into a white SUV.
New York State Police identified the alleged abductor as Michael Davis, David’s ex-boyfriend, with whom she shared a 4-year-old child.
On Wednesday evening, as the suspect vehicle crossed into Virginia via I-95, the police intercepted it. Davis, 34, allegedly fled, leading police on a chase that ended when he crashed in a wooded area just after 10 p.m.
A gunfire exchange between Davis and the police followed, ultimately resulting in his injury. David was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound outside the vehicle. Authorities are investigating which bullet killed the mother, who had a military background and was described as a “bright light” and “beacon of hope” by her brother Emanuel Espada.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. NBC News reports that charges against Davis are pending while he remains hospitalized.