PHOENIX, Ariz. — A 29-year-old woman is facing serious legal repercussions after allegedly firing a rifle into an apartment complex, which left a 4-year-old boy injured. The incident occurred shortly after noon on January 6 in a neighborhood near 29th Street and Weir Avenue.
Joanna Chalup Cortez has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault, in addition to disorderly conduct with a firearm and discharging a weapon at a residence. She is currently held at Maricopa County Jail with a bond set at $500,000.
Authorities indicate that the shooting emerged from a heated altercation involving Chalup Cortez, several women, and her boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend. The dispute reportedly escalated as the group gathered at an apartment where the ex-boyfriend’s brother lives with his partner and their young son, Qahsiem Sinclair.
According to police, tensions flared when some individuals began broadcasting the confrontation live on social media. This provoked Chalup Cortez, who allegedly returned to the apartment complex, honked her horn, and issued threats via social media, stating she would “shoot up the house.”
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators shows Chalup Cortez exiting her vehicle and yelling before discharging her rifle toward the residence. The bullet struck Qahsiem in the face while he was with his scooter, leading to damage in his cheek and several teeth.
Emergency medical personnel rushed the boy to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for injuries deemed non-life-threatening. Although his family expressed relief over his recovery, they have shared the emotional toll this incident has inflicted on them.
After the shooting, Chalup Cortez fled but later surrendered to law enforcement. In an online message purportedly to the boy’s family, she claimed she never intended to harm a child and did not realize Qahsiem was outside when she fired the weapon. Despite her assertions, the child’s father insists that she should take full responsibility, citing that his son was present when the shots were fired.
The boy’s family has initiated an online fundraiser to help cover medical expenses related to the incident, describing the ordeal as a devastating experience that has deeply affected their lives.
As the investigation unfolds, police continue to gather evidence and witness statements regarding the incident. Chalup Cortez is scheduled to appear in court in the coming days. Meanwhile, Qahsiem is recuperating at home with his family, who remain grateful for his survival but shaken by the violence they faced.