Pregnant Teen Shooting in Buckeye Leaves One Teen Dead and Newborn Infant Later Dies; Suspect Faces Multiple Murder Charges

A tragic shooting incident in Buckeye has left the community shaken after two pregnant teenage girls were reportedly shot, resulting in the death of one teen and, later, the death of a newborn child who initially survived an emergency delivery.

According to law enforcement accounts and local reports, the incident occurred on May 14 when two pregnant teenagers—identified as Abby and 16-year-old Rylee Montgomery—were together in Buckeye when they were allegedly shot by an 18-year-old male identified as Michael Isiah Sanchez. Authorities say the suspect is believed to be the boyfriend of one of the victims.

Investigators allege that the violence stemmed from a domestic dispute involving pregnancy-related conflict. Reports indicate that Sanchez allegedly opened fire after a disagreement in which his girlfriend reportedly refused to terminate her pregnancy. Authorities have not independently confirmed motive details beyond what has been presented in initial investigative findings.

Emergency responders were called to the scene following reports of gunfire involving multiple victims. When officers and paramedics arrived, they discovered that both pregnant teens had been critically injured, along with another woman, reported to be 22 years old. All three victims were rushed for urgent medical treatment.

Despite emergency efforts, Rylee Montgomery died from her injuries. The second pregnant teen, Abby, survived the shooting but sustained serious injuries, including a gunshot wound that led to life-threatening complications for both her and her unborn child.

Medical teams were forced to perform an emergency C-section at approximately 25 weeks of pregnancy in an effort to save the baby. The newborn initially survived the procedure and was placed under intensive care. Family members later named the baby Timmothy Rylee in honor of the victim who died in the attack.

However, despite intensive medical intervention, officials confirmed that the newborn later died. The additional loss has deepened the tragedy, compounding grief for the families involved and intensifying public concern over the case.

The third victim, a 22-year-old woman who was also shot during the incident, survived her injuries. Authorities have not publicly released further details regarding her condition or the extent of her recovery.

Law enforcement officials say the suspect, Michael Isiah Sanchez, has been taken into custody and is currently being held without bond at Maricopa County jail. He is facing two counts of first-degree murder, along with additional charges including endangerment and interference with a monitoring device. Prosecutors are reportedly considering further charges following the death of the newborn.

Investigators continue to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the timeline of events leading up to the shooting. Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding how the confrontation escalated or what specific interactions occurred immediately before the violence.

The case has sparked widespread outrage and sorrow in the Buckeye community and beyond, particularly due to the involvement of two pregnant teenagers and the loss of an infant who initially survived birth under critical circumstances. Community members have expressed grief, shock, and concern over the circumstances surrounding the incident, with many calling for accountability and justice.

Officials have emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Prosecutors are expected to present additional findings as the case develops, and further charges may be filed depending on medical updates and investigative outcomes.

For the families involved, the tragedy has resulted in multiple layers of loss—first with the death of a teenage victim, and later with the passing of a newborn child who fought for survival in the hours after the attack. Loved ones are now left grappling with an unimaginable situation marked by grief and unanswered questions.

As authorities continue their work, the focus remains on ensuring a thorough investigation and supporting those affected by the incident. The Buckeye community, meanwhile, continues to mourn a tragedy that has left a lasting emotional impact and raised broader concerns about youth violence and domestic disputes escalating into deadly outcomes.