Survivor of Buckeye triple shooting speaks out after losing baby son and 16-year-old pregnant best friend

BUCKEYE, Ariz. — Family, friends, and community members gathered in Buckeye Thursday evening to honor 16-year-old Rylee Montgomery and her unborn baby, one week after police say she was shot and killed by her boyfriend outside a friend’s home. 

RELATED STORY: ‘She was taken from me’: Family remembers pregnant 16-year-old killed in Buckeye shooting

Many attendees wore blue, which family members said was Montgomery’s favorite color, as they gathered near the spot where she died. Dozens held candles, listened to music, and hugged one another throughout the vigil.

Police say Montgomery was one of three women shot that night, including another pregnant teenager, 17-year-old Abigail Krebs. Investigators said Montgomery’s boyfriend, 18-year-old Michael Sanchez, was taken into custody the following morning.

Montgomery’s family said Sanchez was also the father of her unborn baby girl.

One of the other victims, Krebs, underwent emergency surgery after the shooting and delivered her baby boy at just 25 weeks. Krebs said she named him Timmothy Rylee in honor of her best friend. The newborn died six days later.

Krebs attended Thursday’s vigil, mourning both her best friend and her newborn son.

“He was my little mini me, but he was taken from me too soon,” Krebs said. “It’s been indescribable. I mean, Rylee was like a sister to me. I miss her, and I wish I could have done more to get her out of that relationship, and I just wish I would have caught it sooner.”

Montgomery’s loved ones said she was 14 weeks pregnant with a baby girl at the time of the shooting, and they are still struggling to process the loss.

They told 12News Montgomery was looking forward to getting her driver’s license next month.

Family members described her as someone who loved music, animals, and spending time with loved ones. They said she always tried to see the good in people.

Montgomery’s mother, Michelle, said her daughter had dreams for the future and aspired to be a firefighter.

“My daughter was good. She was a good girl, and like I said, stole away from me,” Michelle said. “She had dreams. I mean, one day, I mean, I wanted to see my grandchild, hold it. Now I’m not going to get that chance.”

Michelle said she hopes justice is served.

Sanchez now faces two homicide charges in connection with the shooting. Following the death of Krebs’ newborn, Buckeye police say they are recommending an additional murder charge against him.

Police have also arrested 19-year-old Antonio Tequida, who investigators said helped Sanchez flee after the shooting. He was booked on a charge of hindering prosecution.

The third victim, a 22-year-old woman, remains hospitalized in critical condition.

You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere, thanks to the 12News+ app! 

The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like “Today in AZ” and “12 News” and our daily lifestyle program, “Arizona Midday”—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. 

12News+  showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. 

Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. 

Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for “12 News KPNX.” 

Amazon Fire TV: Search for “12 News KPNX” to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app. 

Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.