"This is definitely one of those incidents that really is going to affect the police department for a long time," a police spokesman said
When pregnant Lyft driver Kristina Howato picked up another fare as the sun was rising Sunday morning, she had no idea the 20-year-old man in her backseat was going to attack her with a kitchen knife — allegedly stabbing her several times before fleeing in her vehicle, leaving her to die.
At a news conference held Monday, Tempe Police Sgt. Ron Elcock said officers have charged Fabian Durazo with Howato’s death.
The violence also claimed the 39-year-old victim’s unborn child.
Howato, who was in her third trimester, had two other children, ages 2 and 4.
“This is definitely one of those incidents that really is going to affect the police department for a long time, and the community will think about this for a long time,” Elcock said.
Elcock alleged Durazo of pulling a knife on Howato, stabbing her several times as she was driving. She stopped the vehicle and exited in an attempt to escape. Elcock said the stabbing continued outside of the SUV, which Durazo allegedly drove off in.
Howato made her way to the nearest house, where she started screaming for help.
She was rushed to the hospital, where she and the fetus were pronounced dead.
Using GPS, police tracked the vehicle to Quartzsite, where spike strips were deployed to stop him.
Durazo refused to exit the SUV at first, but eventually complied with officers’ orders. He was detained and booked into the La Paz County jail without bail.
Under questioning, he allegedly admitted stabbing Howato and taking her car.
Durazo is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count each of kidnapping, car theft and armed robbery.
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It was unclear Tuesday if he had entered pleas to those charges or had a lawyer who could comment on the allegations for him.
Police said Durazo summoned a Lyft car, intent on stealing it.
Lyft issued a statement about the tragedy.
“We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of this tragedy, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims,” the statement reads. “The safety of the Lyft community is our top priority. The passenger’s account has been permanently deactivated and we are actively assisting law enforcement with their investigation.”