ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — More than a week after the tragic death of Tatiana David, her family doesn’t want her to be remembered as a headline. 

Her brother Emanuel Espada tells WHCU she was a special person. 

The 34-year-old Ithaca woman was abducted last Wednesday by Michael Davis, her ex-boyfriend. She was reportedly killed during a shootout between Davis and state troopers in Virginia. Davis, who’s also 34, was charged with felony abduction in Virginia.

David left behind a four-year-old son named Zavier, who’s now being cared for by Espada. An online fundraiser was set up to help.

The fundraiser as a goal of $20,000. To donate or spread the word, click here.

FULL INTERVIEW: Emanuel Espada on Ithaca’s Morning News