Arizona Teen Murder Case – Pregnant Girl Killed After Reported Threats, Police Say

An 18-year-old Arizona man has been arrested after police say he fatally shot his pregnant girlfriend and seriously injured two other people outside a home in Buckeye, west of Phoenix.

Authorities identified the suspect as Michael Sanchez, who was taken into custody Friday in connection with the death of 16-year-old Rylee Montgomery.

According to the Buckeye Police Department, Sanchez faces charges including first-degree murder, endangerment, and interference with a monitoring device. Court records cited by local media indicate he is being held without bond in Maricopa County jail.

Shooting

Police said officers responded Thursday around 8:15 p.m. to reports of a shooting near Elwood Street in Buckeye.

When officers arrived, they found three victims suffering from gunshot wounds outside a residence. Montgomery was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 22-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl, who was also pregnant, were transported to a hospital in critical condition, authorities said.

Investigators believe the shooting occurred outside the home shortly before officers arrived. Police initially reported that two males were seen fleeing the area.

Authorities later identified Sanchez as the primary suspect. Police tracked him to a residence in Avondale, roughly 15 miles away, where he was arrested.

Relationship

Family members told investigators and local media that Montgomery and Sanchez had been involved in a romantic relationship that they described as abusive and controlling.

According to statements shared by Montgomery’s relatives, tensions reportedly escalated after the teen became pregnant earlier this year.

A GoFundMe page created by family members alleged Sanchez had threatened Montgomery several times during the relationship. The fundraiser also claimed he became increasingly controlling, monitored her phone activity, and previously threatened her with a firearm after she attempted to end the relationship.

Those allegations have not yet been independently verified in court.

Threats

Montgomery’s stepmother, Amy Montgomery, told local television station KPHO that the family contacted police shortly before the shooting after receiving what they believed was a threatening message from Sanchez.

According to the family, the message allegedly included a photo of Sanchez holding a gun to his head along with a statement saying he would “get” Montgomery before harming himself.

The family said the alleged threat deeply concerned them, and they sought help from law enforcement earlier that evening.

Just hours later, the shooting occurred.

Police have not publicly released additional details regarding prior reports or whether any protective actions had been requested before the incident.

Victims

Authorities said the two surviving victims remain hospitalized following the shooting.

Family members told local media that the 17-year-old victim underwent an emergency delivery after being critically injured. Reports indicate the baby was born prematurely at approximately 25 weeks.

Relatives believe the victims were targeted because of their close friendship with Montgomery. According to statements from the family, Sanchez allegedly blamed one of the girls for encouraging Montgomery to leave the relationship.

The 22-year-old victim may have simply been present during the attack, family members said.

Investigation

Police said the investigation remains active as detectives continue reviewing evidence and witness statements.

Authorities also confirmed Sanchez was wearing an ankle monitor at the time of the shooting related to a separate criminal case. Local reports state the monitoring device stemmed from a March incident involving an alleged police pursuit and crash connected to a road rage investigation.

Investigators have not announced whether additional charges could be filed.

Community Response

Montgomery’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from family members and community supporters. Loved ones described her as a teenager looking forward to major life milestones, including preparing for the birth of her child.

The case has also renewed discussion around teen dating violence, domestic abuse warning signs, and the challenges families face when attempting to intervene in dangerous relationships.

Advocates say threats, controlling behavior, intimidation, and isolation from friends or relatives are often early indicators of abusive relationships. Domestic violence experts encourage anyone experiencing threats or abuse to contact law enforcement or support organizations for assistance.

As the criminal case moves forward, Montgomery’s family says they are now focused on honoring her memory while supporting the surviving victims recovering from the shooting.

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