Tampa woman stabbed in front of kids by man later killed in police shootout spotlights domestic violence

TAMPA, Fla. - Crystal says Monday was a normal day, where she and her husband were swapping their kids.

But suddenly, things got violent.    

"As I got to the passenger side of the car, he tried to get me in the car. He put the knife on my back and told me to get in the car, don't scream. I immediately just started screaming. I started fighting," Crystal said.

She knew she'd be killed if she got in the car, so she fought back.

"Who will take care of my kids if I’m not here? That was all that was going through my mind," said Crystal.

"I have to survive this so I can take care of my kids and love them because no one is going to do that like I will."

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Michael stabbed her in front of her children.

She says most of the wounds were severe and required surgery. Only two could be treated with stitches.

"He just drove off and left me there. I had to find someone to help me," Crystal said.

Crystal Bresnahan was stabbed by the father of her children before he led police on a chase and was eventually killed. 

After speeding off, Michael led police on a chase that ended in a shootout at a busy intersection. Police say it appears Bresnahan took his own life first. Crystal says she’s still trying to process everything that happened.

"I don’t have to worry about him coming back to try to kill me again," said Crystal. "So from here, I want to focus on rebuilding my life and making sure that my kids are okay. They did see everything that he did, so my main focus right now is making sure that they get the help they need and they move on, and that they thrive."

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Crystal says the relationship was abusive but tells Fox 13 she never thought he would get that violent. She has an important message for anyone experiencing a domestic violence situation.

Police identified Michael Bresnahan as the suspect. Courtesy: HCSO

"Accept help when people offer it. It’s because they genuinely care and want to get you out. You’re not a burden to anyone," said Crystal.

A fundraiser has been set up to help Crystal recover from all this.

READ: Domestic violence shelter in Pinellas County recognized for it's impact on the community

If you want to help, click here.

Police say Michael Bresnahan had a shootout with them after stabbing the mother of his children.

Crystal says most of the money raised will help her buy a new car because the car Michael Bresnahan took off in that ended in the shooting was hers.

After multiple surgeries, Crystal is out of the ICU and is recovering. She hopes to be out of the hospital within the next few days.