Verdict Returned In Murder, Kidnapping Of NY Woman

MANNASSAS, VA — A Prince William County jury found Michael C. Davis, 38, guilty of second-degree murder Wednesday in the kidnapping and homicide of Tatiana David of Ithaca, New York, in 2023, according to court records.

On April 5, 2023, a Virginia state trooper on patrol on I-95 South conducted a traffic stop on a Jeep Cherokee that had just crossed from Maryland into Virginia on I-495 South, according to court documents. The trooper had been alerted that the vehicle was used in a possible abduction from Ithaca, New York.

The trooper talked with the driver and noticed a female passenger in the backseat of the Jeep. They were later identified as Davis and and David, respectively.

"As the trooper was verifying the abduction allegation and waiting for backup, Mr. Davis drove away and fled, initially on local roads, then continued south on I-95," according to court documents. "Virginia State Police initiated a pursuit and proceeded into Prince William County. The Jeep drove recklessly, placing other drivers in danger for over 20 miles, eventually crashing into the wood-line near mile marker 148 on I-95."

Davis, who was still in the driver's seat, began firing at the troopers who were approaching the vehicle, according to court records. They returned fire. During the subsequent shootout, Davis shot David multiple times. She was later found dead in the backseat. The autopsy and ballistics analysis confirmed that David had been killed by bullets fired from Davis’ gun.

“We appreciate the hard work of all those involved in this case," Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth said, in a release. "Tatiana David did not deserve to die – she was abducted from her home by the defendant for reasons we may never know, and we don’t know what he intended to do to her. The Virginia State Police valiantly fought for her safe return and for a peaceful end to this horrific journey for her. Sadly, Mr. Davis ended her life by executing her in the back seat of his vehicle. We are grateful no one else lost their lives on that fateful evening.”

The Prince William Circuit Court jury also found Davis guilty of abduction, three counts of attempt to commit aggravated murder of a law enforcement officer, 10 counts of use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and felony eluding, court records say. A sentencing date has not been determined.

Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Kristina Robinson, Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Kathleen Bilton, and Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Garrett Jagtiani prosecuted the case.