A tragic incident occurred when a 16-month-old girl lost her life, and her two brothers were injured after their father allegedly took them from Virginia and crashed his vehicle while attempting to evade police in Maryland.

On August 14, the police in Virginia Beach responded to reports of a stabbing. Upon arrival, they discovered two women, one being an adult and the other a minor, suffering from several stab wounds. Both victims were transported to a hospital and are reported to be in stable condition. Authorities believe the stabbing is linked to domestic issues.

The suspect, identified as Dana Plummer, a 36-year-old resident of Virginia Beach, fled the scene with his three children: a 7-year-old boy, a 5-year-old boy, and a 16-month-old girl.

In response to the children’s disappearance, Virginia State Police issued an Amber Alert.

On August 16, someone recognized the vehicle linked to the Amber Alert and reported it to the police. When Virginia State Police attempted to pull over the car on I-95 in Fairfax County, Virginia, Plummer did not stop and continued fleeing north on I-495 into Maryland, where he ultimately lost control and crashed.

During his escape in Maryland, Plummer collided with two other cars, resulting in his vehicle overturning.

The 16-month-old girl, identified as Za’riyah Plummer, succumbed to her injuries at the hospital, while her two brothers were also injured and taken for medical treatment.

Fortunately, no other injuries were reported in the three-vehicle accident.

“Our hearts are with the family and those mourning this tragic event,” stated Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate. “This is a heartbreaking situation, and on behalf of the VBPD, I express our sincere condolences to all impacted by this loss.”

After the crash, Plummer was hospitalized. He is facing pending charges in Maryland, while also encountering numerous charges in Virginia, including aggravated malicious wounding, parental abduction, and domestic assault.