A 16-year-old girl from Buckeye, Arizona, died on Thursday, May 14, 2026, following a domestic violence shooting outside a home near Elwood Street and 257th Lane in the Westpark neighborhood.
Rylee Montgomery was 14 weeks pregnant at the time of her death. She was remembered by family as their “sweet Rylee, our best girl,” a kind soul who saw good in everyone. Her unborn baby, a girl, also did not survive.
The incident occurred around 8:15 p.m. Rylee was with two friends: a 17-year-old who was also pregnant and a 22-year-old woman. The suspect, 18-year-old Michael Isiah Sanchez, arrived at the location. Sanchez was Rylee’s ex-boyfriend and the father of her unborn child. He allegedly shot all three women.
Rylee died at the scene. The two friends were transported to the hospital in critical condition. The 17-year-old underwent an emergency delivery at 25 weeks. Both women and the newborn remained in intensive care following the shooting.
Sanchez was arrested early on May 15, 2026, in Avondale with assistance from the U.S. Marshals. He faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder charges for both Rylee and her unborn baby. A second man was later arrested in connection with the case. No information about the second suspect or the charges against him has been publicly released.
Family members reported a history of controlling and violent behavior after learning of the pregnancy in February. They stated that Sanchez had made threats, engaged in physical abuse, and pointed a gun at Rylee in March when she tried to end the relationship.
Rylee was looking forward to getting her driver’s license soon and starting a job for extra spending money. She was known for her love of stuffies, hoodies even in extreme heat, pajama bottoms, and all things with fur or feathers.
The shooting occurred in the Westpark neighborhood of Buckeye, near Miller and Lower Buckeye Roads. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and Buckeye Police have not released additional details about the second arrest. No information about the condition of the two surviving victims or the newborn has been updated. The family has requested privacy as they mourn.
Rylee was 16 years old. She was 14 weeks pregnant, excited about her baby girl, and described as having a servant’s heart. Those are the details her loved ones are sharing as they grieve. The tragedy has sparked vigils and calls for better protection for domestic violence victims in the Buckeye area. Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact Buckeye Police. The investigation remains active. No further details have been released.
