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Michael Sanchez Held Without Bond in Killing of Pregnant 16-Year-Old in Buckeye

The case prompts a review of earlier police handling of reported threats.

Overview

  • Police say Michael Sanchez, 18, opened fire outside a Buckeye home Thursday night, killing 16-year-old Rylee Montgomery, who was pregnant, and wounding a 17-year-old and a 22-year-old.
  • Officers arrested Sanchez in Avondale on Friday with help from U.S. Marshals, and he now faces seven felonies including two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.
  • A Maricopa County commissioner ordered Sanchez held without bond because he was already on release in another felony case, with the next hearing set for May 26.
  • Records show Sanchez wore an ankle monitor from a March arrest, and Avondale police say Montgomery had reported he pointed a gun at her in February but investigators found insufficient evidence to charge him.
  • Officials are reviewing whether paperwork or follow-up on those earlier reports was delayed, and the family says the 17-year-old survivor delivered a premature baby who lived.