A woman is dead after jumping out of the moving vehicle of her alleged kidnapper. Debra Murrieta, 54, from Arizona, had called the police for help during a domestic violence incident that took place over the weekend involving her boyfriend.
On Sunday, July 21, 2024, Pima County Sheriff’s Department police responded to the call in which Murrieta said 36-year-old William Holloway had taken an illegal drug and was driving out of control up Mount Lemmon, which is north of Tucson. He was refusing to let her out of the vehicle.
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The woman was heard crying during the call and pleading with her boyfriend to pull over and let her out. He continuously refused. PCSD deputies who responded to the incident attempted to stop Holloway by placing spikes along Catalina Highway, but he swerved erratically to avoid them, according to KOLD. A police chase then ensued, with speeds varying from 25 to 45 mph.
At some point during the pursuit, Murrieta jumped out of the moving vehicle. First responders on the scene assisted with medical aid before the woman was transported to a hospital. She eventually died from her injuries. Her boyfriend was stopped by deputies about 30 minutes after she jumped out of the car.
He claimed he didn't know he was being followed by authorities, but reportedly confessed to knowing that Murrieta jumped out of his car and not stopping when she did.
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Holloway reportedly told deputies that he had taken about 20 fentanyl pills that day and that he was previously involved in a car crash where he hit a light pole. He is currently facing a DUI charge for that particular incident.
Holloway was booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Complex on multiple felony charges, including domestic violence kidnapping, first degree homicide, and unlawful flight from law enforcement.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of domestic abuse, you can find help and support at DVIS.org, the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or by contacting your local women's shelter domesticshelters.org.
