ARIZONA NEWS

Pregnant woman murdered in Tempe was working as Lyft driver

Jan 28, 2019, 4:30 PM | Updated: Jan 31, 2019, 11:07 am

(MCSO photo)...

(MCSO photo)

(MCSO photo)

PHOENIX – Police said Monday that the pregnant woman who was brutally stabbed to death in Tempe this weekend was working as a Lyft driver and left behind two young children.

Fabian Durazo, 20, remains in custody in La Paz County jail for the murder of Kristina Howato, 39, Tempe Police Sgt. Ron Elcock said during a news conference.

Howato had two children, ages 2 and 4.

Durazo was being held on two counts of first-degree murder and one count each of kidnapping, vehicle theft and armed robbery. He will be transferred to Maricopa County, Elcock said.

“This is definitely one of those instances 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.

LIVE: Tempe police are providing an update on the arrest of a suspect accused of stabbing and killing a pregnant woman over the weekend.STORY: bit.ly/2HAAwsh

Posted by ABC15 Arizona on Monday, January 28, 2019

Investigators believe Durazo ordered the car service early Sunday morning with the intention of stealing the vehicle, Elcock said.

Howato picked up Durazo near McClintock Drive and Rio Salado Parkway and drove him to an apartment complex less than a mile away near McClintock and University Drive.

There, Elcock said, Durazo stabbed Howato with a kitchen-type knife multiple times before fleeing in the victim’s Mercury SUV at around 1 a.m.

After using GPS technology to locate the vehicle, police pulled Durazo over on Interstate 10 near Quartzsite and arrested him without incident.

While in custody, he admitted to stabbing Howato and taking the SUV, Elcock said.

Elcock said there was no indication Durazo was under the influence of any substance or that he knew the victim before she picked him up.

A statement from officials with San Francisco-based Lyft said: “We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of this tragedy, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims.”

Lyft says it is assisting with the investigation, adding that the passenger’s account has been permanently deactivated.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

A confiscated firearm is seen sitting on a table at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Feb...

Serena O'Sullivan

Phoenix Sky Harbor hopes to cut down on amount of firearms in security checkpoints this year

PHOENIX — Officials are hoping better knowledge and outreach will cut down on the number of firearms that are confiscated this year in carry-on luggage at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. That’s because the airport is No. 4 for the most firearms that are brought to security checkpoints, according to Patricia Mancha, a TSA spokesperson. […]

11 minutes ago

The Phoenix Zoo announced a new habitat 'Big Cats of Arizona: A Bridge to Arizona Wilderness' will ...

Bailey Leasure

Big cats of Arizona habitat set to open at Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo announced a new habitat 'Big Cats of Arizona: A Bridge to Arizona Wilderness' will be opening at the zoo in April. 

26 minutes ago

I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project...

Danny Shapiro

New lanes open to motorists as part of I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project

The I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project is one step closer to completion after new lanes on the highway recently opened, transportation officials announced Wednesday.

41 minutes ago

Police are investigating an officer-related shooting in Phoenix on Wednesday that left two people i...

Bailey Leasure

Suspects’ car crashes while fleeing police-involved shooting in Phoenix

Police are investigating an officer-related shooting in Phoenix on Wednesday that left two people injured.

8 hours ago

One woman has died after a crash in north Phoenix Tuesday, authorities said....

Bailey Leasure

North Phoenix collision leaves 1 woman dead, another hospitalized

One woman has died after a crash in north Phoenix on Tuesday, authorities said.

9 hours ago

Follow @kstonezone...

Sponsored Content by Bright Wealth Management

How updating your estate plan is crucial in saving money

As you map out your estate plan, mapping out beneficiaries and keeping it up to date is key in order for the most funds possible to be passed down with ease.

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

Pregnant woman murdered in Tempe was working as Lyft driver