The Eyrie

BURLESON, TX — A Texas woman who had recently left an abusive relationship was killed after being abducted and taken on a long police chase in Burleson on Thursday, according to family members and police. Bianca Garza Ramirez, 34, had just finished nursing school and planned to begin her residency in February, her boyfriend said.

Ezekiel Cain said Ramirez had worked hard to create a safer future for herself and her children after separating from her estranged husband. Police said the situation began with a call about an armed man in the 700 block of West Hidden Creek Parkway, then escalated into a pursuit that stretched for miles before ending with both Ramirez and the suspect dead inside a vehicle from apparent gunshot wounds.

Boyfriend says Ramirez had worked hard to build a new future

Cain described Ramirez as someone who was focused on her family and determined to become a nurse. He said she had just graduated from nursing school and wanted to use that career to provide for her daughters and support the life she hoped to build after leaving her husband.

According to Cain, Ramirez had lived in Mansfield with her estranged husband before moving to Burleson more recently to start over. He said she had endured years of emotional and physical abuse before ending the relationship. Cain also said her ex became angry after learning the two were dating and had threatened to kill him.

Police say witnesses saw her forced into a vehicle

Burleson police said they received the armed-man call Thursday morning and were told by witnesses that a man had been seen outside with a woman before forcing her into a vehicle. Cain said Ramirez texted and called him from the apartment, telling him her husband was downstairs and saying he had a gun.

Cain said he immediately dialed 911, but by the time he reached the parking lot, Ramirez was already gone. He said he saw a black Yukon leaving the area and began following it while relaying details to dispatch. Police later said they had visual contact with the vehicle as the situation unfolded.

Spike strips slowed the chase but did not stop it

Burleson Police Chief Billy Cordell said officers deployed spike strips along Highway 377 during the pursuit and successfully flattened both passenger-side tires on the suspect’s vehicle. Even after the damage, Cordell said, the driver kept going.

Cain said the chase lasted more than 30 minutes and that he followed the vehicle until it reached the airport in Cresson, where he realized it was too late. Police later found the man and Ramirez dead inside the vehicle. Officials said law enforcement did not fire any shots during the incident.

Family members remember a devoted mother and caregiver

Cain remembered Ramirez as warm, attentive and deeply loving toward the people around her. He said she was especially devoted to her children, describing her as an amazing mother and stepmother who spoke constantly about the future she wanted for their family.

He said Ramirez leaves behind a 9-year-old and a 14-year-old daughter, and that she also played a motherly role in the life of his own daughter, who has special needs. Cain said Ramirez was the kind of person who showed excitement and compassion in every part of life, including with friends, relatives and patients.

Her daughters will now live with their aunt as loved ones grieve

Cain said Ramirez’s daughters will now be raised by her sister. He asked people to hold their children close and honor Ramirez by being loving and compassionate toward others, saying no one knows what she would have done for one more chance to hold her babies.

The killing has left family and friends mourning a woman they say had finally started moving toward the future she wanted. For Cain, that future included nursing, parenting and building a stable home after years of hardship. Instead, he said, Ramirez was taken before she could begin the next chapter of her life.