Woman Dies After Jumping Out of Alleged Kidnapper’s Car During Police Chase

An Arizona woman jumped out of a moving vehicle to her death after calling police for help during a domestic violence incident over the weekend. 

According to local reports, the victim was later identified as 54-year-old Debra Murrieta.

On Sunday, July 21, Pima County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to a call regarding domestic violence between Murrieta and her boyfriend, 36-year-old William Holloway, the Arizona Daily Star reported on Monday, July 22. 

In a press release obtained by PEOPLE, PCSD said a call came in around 6:20 p.m. with the woman saying Holloway had taken an illegal drug and was driving erratically up Mount Lemmon, refusing to let her out of the vehicle.

KOLD reported that the woman was heard crying during the phone call, pleading with Holloway for him to pull over and let her out, but he refused.

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Dispatched PCSD deputies placed spikes along Catalina Highway in an attempt to stop the driver, but he instead swerved erratically to avoid them, KOLD reports. During this time, a short pursuit began, with speeds varying from 25 to 45 mph.

As the chase continued, Murrieta jumped out of the vehicle around 6:50 p.m. 

First responders assisted with medical aid before transporting Murrieta to a hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries, reports KVOA.

Deputies stopped Holloway around 7:20 p.m. and took him into custody, KOLD reports. Holloway claimed he never realized he was being followed by authorities, but did say he knew Murrieta jumped out of his moving vehicle and he did not stop, the outlet continued. 

He also reportedly told deputies that he took about 20 fentanyl pills that day. 

Holloway also reportedly told authorities he was previously involved in a car wreck in which he hit a light pole, and is facing a DUI charge for that incident.

The driver has a long criminal history in Pima County dating back to 2008, with prior convictions including armed robbery, third-degree burglary, attempted fraud and trafficking stolen property, reports KOLD.

Holloway was booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Complex for multiple felony charges including Domestic Violence Kidnapping, 1st Degree Homicide, and Unlawful Flight from Law Enforcement.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.