BUCKEYE, Ariz. — A tragic shooting incident on May 14 has led to serious charges against an 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old accomplice following a violent altercation that left one teenager dead and multiple others injured.
Michael Sanchez faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, for allegedly shooting his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Rylee Montgomery, and wounding two other women, one of whom was also pregnant, along with their infants. Montgomery, just 16 years old at the time of her death, was found by police outside a residence on Elwood Street in Buckeye. The incident escalated quickly, evolving from a local homicide investigation to a grand jury indictment.
Officers responded to the scene shortly after 8:15 p.m. following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they discovered three women with gunshot wounds. Montgomery succumbed to her injuries at the scene, while a 17-year-old girl and a 22-year-old woman were rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Investigators later determined that Sanchez had a personal relationship with the victims.
Detectives swiftly identified Sanchez as the suspected shooter and located him at a nearby residence in Avondale, approximately 15 miles from the crime scene. With assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, law enforcement apprehended Sanchez, while the second suspect, Antonio Tequida, was reportedly seen fleeing the area after the shooting. According to authorities, Tequida allegedly helped Sanchez evade capture.
Sanchez has been indicted on eight counts in total, which include not just murder charges but also multiple counts of attempted murder and aggravated assault. Tequida has been charged with hindering prosecution, accused of driving Sanchez away from the scene and aiding in his concealment after the shooting. Sanchez is currently held without the possibility of bond, while Tequida faces a $100,000 cash bond.
Family members of the victims have spoken openly about the escalating violence in Montgomery’s relationship with Sanchez. They revealed that the young mother had been fearful of her ex-boyfriend as tensions escalated after she disclosed her pregnancy. In fact, hours before the shooting, Montgomery’s stepmother, Amy Montgomery, noted that Sanchez sent a threatening message, heightening fears for Rylee’s safety.
Authorities are also looking into previous incidents reported to law enforcement. In a separate but related case, Buckeye police noted that Sanchez had previously been accused of brandishing a firearm in a threatening manner toward Montgomery, although detectives could not establish probable cause for an arrest.
As the investigation continues, heartache envelops the families affected by this incident. The indictment not only marks a somber moment for Montgomery’s family but also includes repercussions for both unborn children connected to the victims. The 17-year-old who survived gave birth to a baby boy at just 25 weeks, but tragically, the child did not survive. Meanwhile, the 22-year-old victim remains hospitalized and faces a long and uncertain recovery.
The aftermath of the shooting has left families mourning the loss of children who never had a chance to live. As they grapple with their grief, relatives expressed frustrations about the warning signs that seemed apparent before the violence erupted.
Details regarding potential additional charges or evidence related to the case have not yet been released to the public. As the legal process unfolds, it will continue to play out in Maricopa County Superior Court, where defense lawyers will have the opportunity to challenge evidence, and prosecutors must validate their claims beyond a reasonable doubt.
Future court filings and proceedings will shed light on the case as both prosecution and defense prepare for what lies ahead.