VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia – On August 14, Dana Plummer kidnapped his three children from their home after repeatedly stabbing his 12-year-old stepdaughter and the mother of his children.
Police found Plummer on I-95 North on August 15, which led to a chase during which Plummer crashed the car, injuring himself and his children. The children were taken to a local hospital, where Plummer’s youngest child, Za’riyah Plummer, 1, was pronounced dead by hospital staff.
Watch: 1-year-old dies, 2 children hospitalized after VB kidnapping ends in crash in Maryland
1 child dead after crash, 3 children kidnapped from a house in Virginia Beach
This timeline provides you with a breakdown of the events that led to Plummer and his children being hospitalized.
Wednesday, 20:48
Stabbings and kidnappings occur
Virginia Beach Police responded to a 911 call about a stabbing at 908 Jay Are Court, where 37-year-old Anastasia Bernadetta Boles came to the door with multiple stab wounds.
Police then asked Boles to leave the house and sit on the porch so they could investigate the crime scene.
Officers entered the home and discovered blood on the ground floor. When they went upstairs, police found Boles’ 12-year-old daughter in a bed with severe stab wounds, VBP said.
Watch: Father who kidnapped children in VB stabbed their mother and his stepdaughter
Police search for kidnapped children in “extreme danger”
According to police, the victims were subsequently taken to a local hospital, where their condition is now stable.
In addition to the stabbings, police learned that Boles’ three other children – Zayin Plummer, 7, Zayir Plummer, 5, and Za’riyah Plummer, 1 – were abducted from their Virginia Beach home by their father, Dana Plummer, 36.
Thursday, 01:55 am
Charges and Amber Alert issued
Police issued arrest warrants for Plummer and charged him with two counts of aggravated assault, three counts of child abduction, four counts of inducing a minor to commit crimes and domestic violence, Virginia Beach police said.
The VBPD requested that the Virginia State Police issue an AMBER Alert for Zayin, Zayir and Za’riyah following the charges.
Attention: Amber Alert issued for 3 children abducted from Virginia Beach Home
Police have issued an Amber Alert about three children abducted from a Virginia Beach home
In the alert, state police identified Plummer as the kidnapper and described him fleeing in a black Honda Passport with temporary license plate 37550R.
Thursday, 8:45 – 9:00 a.m.
VEHICLE IDENTIFIED
Hours later, a driver on I-95 North in Fairfax County, Virginia, recognized Plummer’s vehicle and license plate from the Virginia AMBER alert and contacted Virginia State Police.
According to VSP, police officers were dispatched and confirmed that it was Plummer’s vehicle.
Police attempted to make a traffic stop, but the suspect did not comply, sparking a chase into Maryland.
Thursday, around 9:00 a.m.
MARYLAND POLICE ALERTED
Shortly before 9 a.m., Virginia State Police contacted Maryland State Police requesting assistance in the pursuit, MDSP said.
Attention: 3 children in hospital after accident on I-495
3 children kidnapped by father injured in accident in Maryland; one taken to hospital by helicopter
While fleeing, Plummer lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a three-vehicle crash on I-495 North near Exit 7 for southbound Branch Ave., which caused Plummer’s vehicle to roll over, according to Maryland State Police.
Watch: Aerial photos show accident scene in Prince George’s County
Aerial footage of the crash with kidnapped children
Thursday, 10:22 am
Maryland State Police at the scene of the accident
The Maryland State Police reported X that they were at the scene of the accident.
Watch: Raw video of the accident scene
Accident in PG County after abduction of children from VB
Plummer and the three children were taken to local Maryland State Police hospitals.
Thursday, 11:36 am
AMBER ALARM CANCELLED
Following the accident, Virginia State Police lifted the Amber Alert.
Current information
UPDATES FROM THE POLICE
One-year-old Za’riyah succumbed to her injuries, police said.
Zyian and Zayir were taken by ambulance to Children’s National Hospital in Washington DC for their injuries, while Plummer was admitted to Capital Region Medical Center, police said.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones who are grieving this morning,” said Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate. “This is an unimaginable tragedy and on behalf of the VBPD, I extend our deepest condolences to those affected.”
The Virginia Beach Police Department and the Maryland State Police are conducting separate investigations into this incident.
The VBPD is focusing on the kidnapping and all events leading up to it, while the Maryland State Police are investigating the accident since it occurred in Maryland, according to the Virginia State Police.
If you have any information about the Virginia Beach investigation, please call 757-385-4101 or Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
For further information regarding the Maryland State Police investigation, please contact Sergeant Zimmerman at 301-392-1231.
