A tragic shooting in Arizona has left a pregnant teenage girl dead and two other women critically injured. Authorities say an 18-year-old man allegedly shot his pregnant girlfriend just hours after reportedly threatening to kill her and then himself.
The heartbreaking case has shocked the local community, especially after family members revealed a history of alleged abuse and threats leading up to the deadly incident.
Arizona Teen Arrested in Pregnant Girlfriend’s Death
Police identified the accused as Michael Sanchez, 18. He was arrested on Friday in connection with the death of 16-year-old Rylee Montgomery.
According to the Buckeye Police Department, Sanchez now faces several serious charges, including:
- First-degree murder
- Endangerment
- Interference with a monitoring device
Authorities said he is currently being held in the Maricopa County Jail without bond.
Three Women Shot Outside Arizona Home
The shooting happened Thursday night around 8:15 p.m. outside a home on Elwood Street in Buckeye, Arizona, located west of Phoenix.
Police said Rylee Montgomery was outside the home with a 22-year-old woman and a 17-year-old pregnant girl when gunfire erupted.
Officers arrived at the scene and found all three victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Sadly, Montgomery was pronounced dead at the scene.
The other two victims were rushed to a hospital and remained in critical condition following the attack.
Police Say Victims and Suspect Knew Each Other
Investigators said witnesses saw two men running from the area before officers arrived.
Police later identified Michael Sanchez as the suspected shooter and tracked him to a home in Avondale, about 15 miles away from the crime scene.
Authorities arrested him without incident.
Police also confirmed Sanchez and Montgomery were involved in a romantic relationship.
Family Describes Relationship as Abusive
Family members described the relationship between Sanchez and Montgomery as controlling and abusive.
According to a GoFundMe page created for the victim, Sanchez allegedly became aggressive after Montgomery became pregnant earlier this year.
The fundraiser claims he repeatedly threatened her, demanded she terminate the pregnancy, and allegedly physically abused her.
Family members also alleged Sanchez once pointed a gun at Montgomery after she tried to end the relationship.
They claimed he controlled her phone and isolated her from family members and friends.
Threats Reportedly Made Hours Before Shooting
Montgomery’s stepmother told local media that Sanchez sent threatening messages just hours before the shooting.
According to her, he allegedly sent a picture of himself holding a gun to his head along with a message saying he planned to “get” Montgomery before harming himself.
The family reportedly contacted police after receiving the threat.
Tragically, only a few hours later, Montgomery was killed.
Second Pregnant Teen Seriously Injured
Authorities said the 17-year-old victim, who was also pregnant, suffered serious injuries after being shot in the back.
According to reports, doctors had to deliver her baby boy at just 25 weeks due to the injuries.
Family members claimed Sanchez disliked the teen because she encouraged Montgomery to leave the relationship.
The third victim, a 22-year-old woman, was also critically injured during the shooting.
Suspect Was Already Wearing Ankle Monitor
Reports revealed that Sanchez was already wearing an ankle monitor at the time of the shooting.
Authorities said the monitor was connected to a previous road rage incident in March in which Sanchez allegedly fled from police before crashing his vehicle.
Investigators continue examining evidence related to the shooting.
