Two other women were critically wounded after gunfire outside a home.
BUCKEYE, Ariz. — Police arrested 18-year-old Michael Sanchez after a shooting Thursday night outside a Buckeye home killed pregnant 16-year-old Rylee Montgomery and critically wounded two other women, authorities said.
The shooting happened around 8:15 p.m. May 14 near Elwood Street and 257th Lane. Buckeye police said officers found three female victims with gunshot wounds. Montgomery, who was pregnant, died at the scene. Police said the victims and Sanchez knew one another, and investigators later identified him as the suspected shooter.
Two other victims, a pregnant 17-year-old girl and a 22-year-old woman, were taken to a hospital in critical condition. Family members identified them as Abby and Mya. The 17-year-old later delivered her baby prematurely at 25 weeks, according to family statements. Police said two males were seen running from the area before officers arrived.
Investigators tracked Sanchez to a home in Avondale within hours. Buckeye police said U.S. Marshals and Avondale police helped take him into custody. Sanchez was booked into jail on multiple felony charges. Police described him as being in a romantic relationship with Montgomery.
Montgomery’s stepmother, Amy Montgomery, said the family had feared Sanchez before the shooting. She said Rylee had been threatened after becoming pregnant and had broken up with him in March. Amy Montgomery said the teen was excited about becoming a mother and was expecting a baby girl in November.
Police have not released a full motive. Family members said Sanchez had argued about the pregnancy and had threatened Rylee before. Those claims are part of the public account from relatives, while the criminal case remains under investigation. Authorities have not said whether another person who ran from the scene will face charges.
Sanchez remained in custody as the case moved toward its first court steps. Investigators were continuing to review witness accounts, records and evidence from the scene near Elwood Street. The conditions of the two surviving victims were last described as critical.
Author note: Last updated May 17, 2026.