Pregnant teenager allegedly killed by ex-boyfriend in Buckeye shooting

A pregnant 16-year-old girl was allegedly shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend in a devastating attack that also claimed the lives of two unborn babies and left two other women with gunshot wounds, prosecutors have alleged.

Michael Sanchez, 18, has been indicted on charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault and interference with monitoring devices in connection with the fatal shooting, according to a press release from the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.

What happened on 14 May

Prosecutors and local police allege that on 14 May, Sanchez shot his pregnant ex-girlfriend — identified by police as Rylee Montgomery — outside a home in Buckeye, Arizona, killing her and their unborn child.

Buckeye police officers arrived at the scene at around 8:15 p.m. and discovered two further female victims with gunshot wounds: a 17-year-old pregnant girl and a 22-year-old woman. Both were rushed to hospital in a critical condition.

The additional victims were subsequently identified by loved ones, through reports from AZ's Family and FOX 10 Phoenix, as Abby Krebs and Myah Hembree.

Best friends who planned to raise their children together

A GoFundMe campaign established in the wake of the tragedy states that Krebs was Montgomery's best friend. Montgomery was three and a half months pregnant at the time of her death.

According to the fundraiser, the pair had been spending time at home with another friend when Sanchez arrived at the property and Montgomery went outside to speak with him. The two had reportedly been arguing for most of that day before he allegedly opened fire.

"Abby and the other friend ran but did not escape Michael's wrath," the fundraiser alleges, noting that Krebs was six months pregnant at the time.

As a result of her injuries, Krebs underwent an emergency caesarean section to deliver her son. He survived for six days before passing away. "His name was Timothy Rylee," the 17-year-old told AZ's Family.

"We were getting ready to plan the baby shower and instead now we have to plan a funeral," she added.

Krebs described the future she and Montgomery had envisioned together before the tragedy cut it short.

"We were like 'they can be best friends, they can grow up together,'" she told AZ's Family. "That was our thought when we both found out we were pregnant together."

A history of alleged threats and prior incidents

Those close to Montgomery stated on her GoFundMe page that she had ended her relationship with Sanchez in March, following a series of alleged threats. Buckeye police later addressed public questions about a reported assault involving Montgomery and Sanchez on 13 April.

"Police interviewed both parties who gave conflicting accounts of what happened," an updated press statement read. "Investigators were unable to establish probable cause for an arrest."

During the course of their investigation, police also learnt of a separate incident in Avondale, Arizona, in which Sanchez allegedly threatened Montgomery with a firearm. "Buckeye officers notified the Avondale Police Department, which then investigated the allegation," the statement concluded.

Arrest and charges

Following the shooting, Sanchez was apprehended in Avondale with assistance from local police and the US Marshals Service. His alleged accomplice, 19-year-old Antonio Tequida, has also been charged in connection with the case and indicted on one count of first-degree hindering prosecution.

According to police, Tequida drove Sanchez to the property where the shooting took place and subsequently drove him to a friend's house to evade police.

Sanchez is being held on no bond, whilst Tequida remains in custody on a $100,000 cash bond. Both have entered not guilty pleas, according to AZ's Family. PEOPLE was unable to immediately identify legal representatives able to speak on their behalf.

Myah Hembree's condition

Meanwhile, Hembree continues to receive critical care. A GoFundMe states that she "remains in the ICU on a ventilator, fighting for her life."

"While she still faces significant medical challenges, she is showing incredible strength and determination," her family said in a statement to FOX 10 Phoenix.

"We ask that everyone continue to keep Myah and our family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."