Authorities say an 18-year-old man, Michael Sanchez, fatally shot his pregnant girlfriend, 16-year-old Rylee Montgomery, along with her unborn child, in Buckeye, Arizona. Two other women were critically injured in the incident.
Shooting Incident
The shooting occurred around 8:15 p.m. on May 14 outside a home on Elwood Street. Police found three female victims with gunshot wounds. Rylee died at the scene, while a 17-year-old pregnant girl, Abby, and a 22-year-old woman, Mya, were taken to the hospital in critical condition. Abby was forced to deliver her baby at 25 weeks.
Two men were reportedly seen fleeing the scene before police arrived. Buckeye police, assisted by the U.S. Marshals and Avondale Police, tracked down and arrested Sanchez in Avondale.
Background and Abuse
According to a GoFundMe and statements from Rylee’s stepmother, Amy Montgomery, Sanchez had been abusive and threatening. He allegedly pressured Rylee to terminate her pregnancy, physically threatened her, and sent her a photo with a gun and a message saying, “I’m going to get you and then I’m going to take care of myself.” Police had previously been contacted about his threatening behavior.
Amy Montgomery said Sanchez traveled over 20 miles to confront Rylee and her friends, targeting them intentionally.
Charges and Investigation
Sanchez has been charged with multiple felonies in connection with the shooting. Authorities continue to investigate the case, including prior reports of domestic violence.
