By Erika Hernandez
Arizona authorities investigate murder of a pregnant teenager in Arizona that occurred Thursday night in the city of Buckeyewhere a 16-year-old girl and her unborn baby died after an armed attack allegedly carried out by her ex-boyfriend.
The victim was identified as Rylee Sir Bernard Law, who died at the scene along with her baby after Michael Sanchez, 18, allegedly opened fire on her and two other women in front of a home around 8:15 p.m., according to the Buckeye Police Department.
Another pregnant teenager was seriously injured
During the shooting too A 17-year-old pregnant girl and a 22-year-old woman were injured.both transferred in critical condition to a local hospital.
Relatives indicated that the pregnant teenager was shot in the back and had to give birth prematurely to a 25-week-old baby due to the severity of her injuries.
Amy Sir Bernard Law, stepmother of the victim, said that Sanchez’s behavior changed after finding out about the pregnancy in February.
“He told her to kill the baby and when she refused, the threats began,” he wrote in a fundraising campaign.
According to the common account, the accused had previously strangled the young woman inside the family home and later threatened her with a gun when she tried to end the relationship in March.
The family also maintains that the suspect sent photographs holding a gun to his head along with intimidating messages.
The victim had gone to the police
According to the family, Rylee Sir Bernard Law reported the threats to authorities after the breakup.
However, they stated that no charges were filed at that time due to lack of sufficient evidence.
“She was afraid of him and we tried to get help,” the teenager’s stepmother told local media.
After the attack, police said Sanchez fled the scene and was later located at a home in Avondale, about 18 miles away.
The young man was arrested and faces multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder.
Local media reported that the suspect was wearing an electronic ankle monitor due to a probation related to a previous case of driving under the influence.
The Buckeye Police Department continues to investigate the murder of a pregnant teenager in Arizona as family and friends demand answers about the victim’s previous complaints and reported history of violence.
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