The victim’s family says earlier threats were reported before the fatal shooting.
BUCKEYE, Ariz. — An 18-year-old man was arrested after police said he shot and killed his pregnant 16-year-old ex-girlfriend and wounded two other women May 14 in Buckeye.
Police identified the suspect as Michael Sanchez. The girl killed was identified by family as Rylee Montgomery, who was pregnant and expecting a baby girl in November. Her unborn child also died. The shooting happened near 257th Avenue and Elwood Street, in the area of Miller and Lower Buckeye roads.
Buckeye police said two other women, ages 17 and 22, were also shot and remained in critical condition. Family members said the 17-year-old victim was pregnant and had to deliver her baby at 25 weeks. “Baby is one pound fighting for his life,” Rylee’s stepmother, Amy Montgomery, said.
Amy Montgomery said the family had warned authorities before the shooting. “We filed a report that he was threatening to kill her a month and a half ago,” she said. When asked about the response, she said, “They didn’t do anything.” Police have not detailed what action, if any, followed that earlier report.
Family members described Rylee as a teenager who saw the good in others. Amy Montgomery said Rylee had a “heart of gold” and would help anyone. The family had planned a June 7 gender reveal, though Amy said Rylee already knew she was carrying a girl.
Police said the shooting took place outside a friend’s home. Amy Montgomery said Sanchez was Rylee’s ex-boyfriend and the father of her unborn child. She said she had warned Rylee to stay away from him about a month earlier because she feared the threats would turn deadly.
Sanchez was taken into custody after the shooting. Police have not released a full list of charges or a detailed account of what led up to the gunfire. Investigators are expected to review witness statements, prior reports and evidence from the scene as the case moves forward.
“I know she was so scared,” Amy Montgomery said. “She was so scared of him.” As of May 16, the two surviving women remained in critical condition, and the case remained under investigation.
Author note: Last updated May 16, 2026.